Sundevils – Tour of Ireland 2008
Delta, B.C. – On March 13th, the Sun Devils Rugby team will embark on its first international tour in over a decade. According to Tour organizer and coach, David Blackwell, the Sundevils are taking two squads on tour, a total of 39 boys. They will land in Dublin on March 13th and arrive home via Belfast, on March 27th. The 15 day tour of Ireland will include games in Dublin, Cork, Limerick and Galway.While in Ireland, the Touring side will explore the coast of Connemar; visit Bunratty Castle in County Clare and The Rock of Cashel, in County Tipperary. Later a visit is scheduled for the Cliffs of Moher, widely considered to be Ireland’s top attraction, drawing over one million visitors in 2007. While in Dublin, they’ll tour Trinity College Library and view The Book of Kells, produced by Celtic monks over 1,200 years ago.
Andrew Harvey, a 1976 graduate and former South Delta rugby player now coaching said the idea for the tour was first proposed a few years back at the annual Old Boys Game. “In May 2005, the first Sundevils Touring team from 1976 celebrated a 30 year reunion and it was proposed by Tim Ivens, one of the event organizers and our first team captain, that any proceeds from the weekend’s events be put toward a high school tour fund. The idea took root and here we are”
Charlie Minns, the current Senior coach believes the Ireland Tour will help the team to bond and strengthen the team’s camaraderie. “Many of these boys will gain direct knowledge of another culture for the first time and forge friendships and memories that will last a lifetime.”
Organizing such an endevour required a firm commitment from players and two years of hard work. Members of the tour accepted these burdens of responsibility and we are confident the 2008 Ireland Tour will help built the momentum for many tours to come. Our grateful thanks go to the South Delta Secondary School, parents, businesses, organizations and all the sponsors whose generous support helped made our Tour to Ireland possible. To all those who have contributed – well done and thank you!
South Delta Rugby 
Good Luck in Ireland guys and I hope you do us proud!
Well the time has finally come to actually go to Ireland. It has been alot of work and effort by many people to get this far in just under two years. When we re-started the program up 8 years ago it was one of our goals to take our Senior team on tour. We actually did better than that by taking two Senior teams. I would personaly like to thank my Sponorship Commitee who helped to raise over 15,000, thanks to Heather, Kathy and Bill. Also a big thanks to Barry Mitchell, who single handly found work for at least 34 players so they could earn over 100,000 for their personal tour costs. So…. lets get the tour started.
Andrew Harvey, Tour Organizer and Rugby Fanatic
I was checking out the Malahide Rugby Club web site and there was a notice posted today saying that:
“Tonights match under lights for the U16’s against Canadian opposition has been called off. Due to the visitors unable to play.”
Does anyone know if this is the game our boys are supposed to be playing?
Got a call from Neal, game was played and they won, 24-17…he thinks..!!
Grant emailed last night and said they won. I’m sure he doesn’t know the score 🙂
I heard second or third hand that the first game score was 24 – 22. Whatever, it was a good win and a good boost for going into what might be tougher opposition.
There is a report from Dave on the first page, they did indeed win 24-22. They came out hard, surprising their opponents and hung on for a victory. Well done guys. Good Luck in your next game.
Way to win your first match you guys!!!! I hope you are all having a great time enjoying the Irish culture…so HAPPY for you all!!!
Congratulations Sun Devils for continuing a fine tradition at SDSS!
Bill Kushnir Principal Retired!