The Suttonians RFC U12s travelled to Westport on 24-26 April 2026 for their annual end-of-season tour, marking a special milestone for a group of players who have been together since September 2019. As their final year in the IRFU Minis cycle before moving into Youths rugby, the tour was a fitting way to celebrate their progress, commitment, and friendships built over a number of seasons.


The weekend was about much more than the match itself. The boys took part in team meetings, were given responsibilities and small tasks, spent time together away from their usual routines, and joined in a few country dances with the locals. A highlight of the trip was cycling 25km of the Westport Greenway, which added a real sense of adventure and achievement to the tour. On the rugby side, the team enjoyed an excellent game against Westport RFC U12s, played in exactly the right spirit. Westport RFC made everyone feel extremely welcome, and their hospitality reflected the very best traditions and values of rugby.


An end-of-season tour like this plays an important role in the development of young players. At this age, children begin to grow in independence and responsibility, learning to manage their own kit, follow schedules, and look after their belongings. Just as importantly, shared travel, downtime, activities, and matches help to strengthen friendships and deepen the sense of belonging within the squad. Experiences like these also build resilience, adaptability, and respect for others, all of which are central to the values of rugby and to the wider development of young people.


For the players, coaches, and parents, the Westport tour was a memorable and rewarding experience. It celebrated the end of one chapter for this Suttonians group while also showing how rugby tours can help young players grow not only as teammates, but as confident, respectful, and supportive young people. The photographs from the weekend capture some of those moments and memories which will stay with the group for years to come.


We would like to thank the U12s Coaching team who put in the hard work as volunteers week in and week out. Without them, these wonderful moments do not happen.


Stephen Hickey


Dermot Smyth


Joseph Walsh


Simon Sheahan


David Owens


Roger Warburton


We would also like to send our thanks to Hiscox Ireland, Windsor Liffey Valley Nissan and Haircreathion (Blackrock & Blanchardstown) for their generous support which made the tour possible.


U12s Team outside Westport House:


Back Row


Daniel Martin


Alexander de Neve


Chris Jones


Luke Hamilton


Michael O’Dwyer


Jamie Fitzgerald


Ruben Keatley


Jacob Warburton


Middle Row


Peter Quealy


AJ Fogarty


Cameron Walsh


Adam Sheahan


Matthew O’Brien


Louis-Ray Faherty


Alex Kerr


Tristan Craig


Front Row


Sonny Roe


Sam Hickey


Charlie Carroll


Aidan Thorsdalen-Smyth


Nicholas Hynes McCormack


Illia Yemelianenko


Gresham Owens

Icing on the cake they watched Suttonians 1stXV win the Met Cup in Westport Rugby Club via Livestream!