Mount Temple Barbarians and Warriors battle for good cause

A Mount Temple Barbarians XV and Midland Warriors played out an entertaining rugby game in front of over 200 supporters at the old Carmelite Grounds, Moate on June 10 for the honour of lifting The Olive Branch for Children (TOBFC) Perpetual Cup.

In the end, the Barbarians side prevailed on a scoreline of 12-0 with all scores coming in the first half. Ireland and Connacht out-half Jack Carty was the guest of honour and he presented the Mount Temple squad with their Barbarians jerseys prior to kick-off. This charity fixture in aid of TOBFC is in its second year and brings a local Mount Temple team with a few invited rugby players to play an annual fixture against well-established local rugby club, Midland Warriors from Moate.

In perfect conditions, both packs decided to put early markers down, and there was very little charity being offered at the breakdown by either side. The Barbarians opened the scoring after a clever clearance by Sean Doyle saw Mathias O’Neill take the ball up and find his pack in chase. A series of pick and goes eventually saw hooker Darren Browne make a strong carry to open the scoring in the corner. Andy Evans missed the difficult conversion and the Barbarians led 5-0.

O’Neill was proving to be a real menace, and another strong run into Warriors territory led to an offload to Ernie Buckley, who had the pace and composure to dart for the corner and a second try. The Barbarians captain on the day played his rugby growing up at Midland Warriors and was the recipient of a loud cheer from both sides. This time Evans nailed the conversion, and the Barbarians were 12-0 up as referee Paul Dolan blew for half-time.

The second half was played with abandon by both sides but incredibly without a score. Warriors showed why they will again be very competitive in the Leinster league next year with their never say die attitude and strength in the forwards. The final whistle saw both sides embrace after a really entertaining game and thankfully no injuries despite the hard ground.

Ann Russell, on behalf of The Olive Branch for Children, presented Barbarians captain Ernie Buckley with the cup which has now been retained. Already everyone is looking forward to the next fixture in the autumn of 2024 and hopefully all players will enjoy the reunion for this great local event.

After the game, players and supporters alike flocked to Egan’s of Mount Temple for a night that included entertainment from local artists Ellen O’Meara, Mick Tyrell and the indomitable Dobsey Prendergast. John G Buckley ran an auction which was as entertaining as it was impactful and the generosity of the Mount Temple/Baylin community was incredible.

Joe Browne, on behalf of TOBFC, thanked all sponsors of the event and everyone who made a donation to the charity. In total, almost €12,000 was raised and every cent is going directly to the charity on the ground to support its great work.

Mount Temple Barbarians team: Harry Hughes, Trevor Holloway, Ernie Buckley (captain), Andy Evans, Kristian Jocher, Sean Doyle, Robert Teape, James Kelly, Darren Browne, Ross Tyrell, Stephen Roarke, James Egan, Liam Doyle, Mathias O’Neill, Ryan Browne, Sean O’Connell, Tadgh Prendergast, Eddie Egan, Mark Malone, Donagh Prendergast, Brian Doyle.

The Olive Branch for Children

TOBFC operates programmes benefitting over 200,000 people in over 50 communities in the Mbeya region in Tanzania. The programmes are community-generated and community-driven and focus on effective and sustainable solutions to poverty.

Since 2013, TOBFC has hosted over 100 Irish volunteers, including a number from Mount Temple. The volunteers have worked closely with the Tanzanian team to help improve services provision. TOBFC established its Feet First programme because of the significant impact Irish podiatrists made on the ground in Tanzania.

Deborah McCracken founded the charity and has made it her passion and vocation for life. Deborah visited Mount Temple in October 2022 and met many of the local people in the community. In addition, Deborah met students at TUS and many of them are volunteering in Tanzania this summer.