Rugby is one of the most loved sports in Ireland, and the province of Connacht has a rich history and tradition of rugby. In this blog post, we’ll be exploring the best rugby schools in Connacht, which have produced many great players over the years.
7 Best Rugby Schools in Connacht
1. Garbally College
The first on our list of best rugby schools in Connacht is Garbally College. It is a well-known rugby school located in Ballinasloe, County Galway. This school has a long and proud tradition of rugby, and its facilities are top-notch, including two full-size rugby pitches, floodlights, and a state-of-the-art gymnasium. Garbally College has won the prestigious Connacht Schools Senior Cup on 46 occasions and has produced a number of Irish rugby internationals, including Ciaran Fitzgerald and Mick Galwey. It’s an excellent choice for students who want to pursue rugby at a high level.
2. St. Josephs College ( the bish)
St. Joseph’s Patrician College, also known as The Bish, is another renowned secondary school located in Galway city. The school has a long and distinguished rugby history, and its facilities include a full-size rugby pitch and a well-equipped gymnasium. The Bish has won the Connacht Schools Senior Cup on 15 occasions and has produced a number of Irish rugby internationals, including Conor McPhillips and Colm O’Shea. It’s a great option for students who want to excel in rugby while also receiving a quality education.
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3. Summerhill college
Summerhill College is a well-regarded secondary school located in Sligo town. It is the 3rd on our list of best rugby schools in Connacht. The school has a strong rugby program, with a number of successful teams at various age levels. Its rugby facilities include a full-size rugby pitch and a modern gymnasium. Summerhill College has won the Connacht Schools Senior Cup on six occasions and has produced a number of Irish rugby internationals, including Ciaran Fitzpatrick and Tommy Bowe. It’s a fantastic choice for students who want to pursue rugby at a high level while receiving a top-quality education.
4. CBS Roscommon
CBS Roscommon is another excellent secondary school located in the town of Roscommon. The school has a strong rugby program, with a number of successful teams at various age levels. Its rugby facilities include a full-size rugby pitch and a well-equipped gymnasium. CBS Roscommon has won the Connacht Schools Junior Cup on four occasions and has produced a number of successful players, including Connacht Rugby player Eoin McKeon. It’s a great choice for students who want to excel in rugby while also receiving a quality education.
5. Marist College
Marist College is a well-known secondary school located in Athlone, County Westmeath. The school has a strong rugby program, with a number of successful teams at various age levels. Its rugby facilities include a full-size rugby pitch and a modern gymnasium. While Marist College hasn’t won as many rugby titles as some of the other schools on this list, it has still produced a number of successful players, including Ireland and Connacht Rugby player Robbie Henshaw. It’s a great option for students who want to pursue rugby at a high level while receiving a top-quality education.
6. Colaiste Iognaid ( the jes)
Ireland’s Colaiste Iognaid, popularly referred to as “The Jes,” is a secondary school that is situated in Galway. The Jesuit order founded the school in 1645, and it has a strong history of giving students in the Galway region a good education.
The Jes began playing rugby in 1909 when a group of students who had learnt the sport while attending school in England organized a team. The Jes rugby program gained popularity as more and more students participated in the sport over time. The school’s rugby teams earned a reputation for having a strong work ethic.
7. Sligo Grammar School
The last on our list of best rugby schools in Connacht is Sligo Grammar School. It is a Co-educational day and boarding school which is situated in Sligo, Ireland. The institution was established in 1862 and has a long history of academic excellence. It is also well-known for its extracurricular activities in the arts and sports.
The school emphasizes science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) disciplines strongly while offering a wide number of courses at both the Junior and Leaving Certificate levels. The school also has a renowned drama and music program, with music shows and performances all year long.
Sligo Grammar School also provides a number of extracurricular activities, such as clubs for debating, public speaking, and environmental awareness, as well as sports like rugby, soccer, hockey, and athletics.
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Conclusion
In conclusion, these seven best rugby schools in Connacht are all excellent choices for students who want to pursue rugby at a high level while also receiving a top-quality education. With their rich rugby traditions, top-notch facilities, and track records of success, any student would be lucky to attend one of these schools.