Monaghan RFC Mini's and Inclusion Summer Camp 2026

What to Expect

Monaghan Rugby Club runs its Mini’s and Inclusion Summer Camp at the club grounds at Rafeenan, Ballinode, on Monday 17 August 2026, from 10am to 1pm, with doors from 9.50am. The club has made the whole thing free, which is unusual for a summer camp and lowers the barrier for families trying the sport for the first time.

The inclusion part of the name is the point rather than a label. The camp is built for children of all abilities, and the club is explicit that it takes both children who have never touched a rugby ball and those already playing, on the same morning. The session is described as games, skills and laughs in a friendly and inclusive environment, with making new friends given as much weight as picking up the sport. Three hours is long enough to run a proper progression of skills work into small-sided games without turning into a full day that younger children struggle with. Booking goes through Eventbrite and the listing carries a no refunds policy, though since there is no charge that mainly matters for holding a place. Free parking is available at the grounds. The Eventbrite listing shows the Monday date, so anyone hoping the camp runs across more of the week should confirm with the club before assuming.

Good to Know

• Date and time: Monday 17 August 2026, 10am to 1pm, doors from 9.50am
• Venue: Monaghan Rugby Club, Rafeenan, Ballinode, Co. Monaghan
• Price: free
• Open to children of all abilities, complete beginners included
• Booking required through Eventbrite, no refunds
• Free parking at the grounds
• Bring boots, a mouthguard if you have one, rain gear and a water bottle

Getting There

Monaghan Rugby Club plays at Rafeenan near Ballinode, in the countryside north of Monaghan town on the road towards Scotstown and Tydavnet. It is a short drive out from the town and signposted locally. There is free parking at the grounds. Monaghan town is the nearest base, served by Bus Eireann coaches on the N2 Dublin to Derry corridor into the town bus station, but there is no useful scheduled service to the club itself, so plan on driving.