Energia has partnered with Galway-based charity Ability West as part of their Rugby for All programme. The partnership kicked off earlier this summer through a series of summer camps, specially designed for children with autism and intellectual disabilities. Energia’s Rugby for All programme aims to grow participation in rugby among children with intellectual disabilities and autism, helping to make the game more inclusive and accessible across Ireland.
The partnership was celebrated yesterday at the Camp Ability closing ceremony at Dexcom Stadium. Rugby player and Energia Ambassador Will Connors was in attendance, joined by media personality and Energia Rugby for All ambassador Ronan Mitchell. Also in attendance were Energia’s newly appointed Culture Captains: Niamh Mitchell (Ronan’s younger sister) and Matthew Forde, a person supported by Ability West. The Culture Captains programme aims to grow rugby participation among people with physical and learning differences. Niamh and Matthew will get the opportunity to connect with players, coaches, and the background team at Connacht Rugby throughout the season.
Also in attendance was Leo Moran of The Saw Doctors, who performed live for participants, parents and volunteers. Four Galway LGFA players also joined the event, meeting and greeting guests throughout the day. Ahead of the ceremony, families were treated to an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of Dexcom Stadium, before enjoying live music and special giveaways.
Energia has been involved in Irish rugby since 2018, and acts as official partner of the Energia AIL, the IRFU and Leinster Rugby, before partnering with Connacht Rugby in 2024. Energia began the Rugby for All initiative with Leinster Rugby in 2023 with the goal to grow participation in the game of rugby among people with physical or learning differences. As part of the partnership with Ability West, Connacht Rugby players visited the camps each week to surprise participants, including Sean O’Brien, Shane Jennings and John Devine, who took a trip to Camp Ability in Tuam last month.
Camp Ability is a summer camp designed for children with intellectual disabilities and autism, giving parents a weeklong respite opportunity for each child. The camps provide these children with opportunities to try new activities, build friendships and enjoy an inclusive environment that many may not otherwise have access to. They also give parents valuable time to prepare for the return to school and spend quality time with other children in the family.
Lorna Danaher, Sponsorship and Events Manager with Energia, said: “We are delighted to announce Niamh and Matthew as our Energia Culture Captains and build on our existing Rugby for All work to date across Ireland.”
Julie Silke Daly, CEO at Ability West, concluded: “Across the summer, we’ve worked closely with Energia, through our Ability West camps across Galway City and County. Seeing the children meet some of the Connacht players at Camp Ability was memorable for all on site, and we cannot wait to see what the collaboration with these two organisations will have in store in the future.”
Melissa Kelly, HSE Integrated Service Lead, said: “The HSE are delighted to support this initiative. Feedback from parents has highlighted the positive impact the camps have had in providing opportunities for children to participate in activities, develop new skills and build confidence in an inclusive and supportive environment.
“The initiative has also provided for an opportunity for them to form new friendships. The camps are a positive example of partnership working and of the importance of creating inclusive opportunities for all children and families. The HSE is pleased to support the continued development of initiatives such as this, which contribute towards building a more inclusive community.”
To find out more about the Energia Rugby for All initiative, visit Energia’s Rugby Hub at www.energia.ie/about-energia/rugby-partnerships
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About Energia:
Energia is part of the Energia Group, powering over 250,000 homes and businesses across Ireland with renewable electricity and natural gas. Energia first launched in 1999 to business electricity customers and in 2014, Energia entered the residential market in Ireland. Energia has been an official partner of Irish Rugby since 2019, serving as a title sponsor of the Men’s and Women’s All-Ireland League competitions, along with partnerships with Connacht Rugby and Leinster Rugby.
About Ability West:
Ability West provides a wide range of disability support services to people with complex intellectual, physical and multiple disabilities. The organisation is committed to working in partnership with the Health Service Executive in providing supports and services, and empowering the lives of the people we support to ensure that they live their best lives.
Ability West was founded 64 years ago, by families who wanted better support for their children with intellectual disabilities and comorbidities. Over 600 children and adults avail of our services and the organisation operates more than 70 centres located across Galway City and County.
Ability West is also proud to be patron of four special schools St. Joseph’s Special School, Galway City, Tigh Nan Dooley, Carraroe, St. Oliver’s Special School, Tuam, and St. Teresa’s Special School, Ballinasloe.
