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International Mini & U12 Festival - Welcomes Dolphin RFC - From the Banks of My Own Lovely Lee
Founded in 1902, by members of Dolphin Swimming Club seeking to find a wintertime activity.
Nestled in the heart of Cork, Ireland, at Musgrave Park, Dolphin Rugby Football Club has been a cornerstone of the community since 1902. Our Minis section is where the future of rugby begins, fostering young talent and instilling the values of teamwork, discipline, and sportsmanship. We are delighted and proud to have participated in the LIARFC International U12 Mini Festival for almost 10 years now.
From humble beginnings as an offshoot of the Dolphin Swimming Club, Dolphin RFC has grown to become a proud member of the All-Ireland League. Our Minis section has been instrumental in nurturing young players, many of whom have gone on to represent Ireland at the highest levels.
Our Minis section caters to both girls and boys aged 6 to 12, providing them with a safe, fun, and engaging environment to learn and play rugby. We focus on developing the fundamental skills of the game, such as passing, tackling, and teamwork, while also promoting physical fitness and a love for the sport. Our experienced coaches are dedicated to ensuring that each child reaches their full potential, both on and off the field.
Dolphin RFC is proud to support our Women and Girls section, which has seen tremendous growth since its inception in Spring 2021. We now have full Girls U12 and U14 sides, providing a supportive and inclusive environment where girls can thrive in rugby. Our goal is to nurture young female athletes, encouraging them to develop their rugby skills, build confidence, and create lasting friendships.
Dolphin RFC has produced many notable players, including the legendary Declan Kidney. Declan, who played for Dolphin RFC before embarking on a successful coaching career, led the Ireland national rugby team to a Grand Slam victory in the 2009 Six Nations and has been a significant figure in Irish rugby history. Other distinguished members include Michael Kiernan, the club's most capped international player with 43 caps; Terry Kingston, who captained Ireland on six occasions; Tony O'Reilly, capped 29 times for Ireland; J.S. McCarthy, who represented Ireland 28 times; and Michael Bradley, who represented Ireland 19 times.
Over the years, our Minis have achieved numerous accolades, including victories in the Munster Junior Cup and the Munster Senior League. Our commitment to excellence and development has seen us produce top-tier athletes who continue to make their mark in the rugby world!