Lucky Laois pupils win special visit from rugby stars

A Cullohill National School student was selected as the winner of a competition run by ALDI

A lucky Laois primary school pupil won a special visit from rugby legends Paul O'Connell and Linda Djougang.

Kyle Whelan (10), a 4th Class student in Scoil Tigearnach Naofa, Cullohill National School was selected as the winner of a competition run by ALDI.

Last month, ALDI invited children across Ireland to pick up a leaflet in store and colour in a picture of Kevin the Carrot and his family to be in with a chance of winning an exclusive ALDI Play Rugby training session with former Ireland captain and current senior team coach, Paul O’Connell for their school.

Kyle was the overall winner securing the prize for him and his classmates.

Paul O’Connell visited to lead a training session for the 112 students on Thursday, June 6. He was accompanied by Irish rugby international and ALDI Play Rugby ambassador, Linda Djougang who put the students through their paces, teaching them new skills and sharing wisdom they can take with them into the years ahead!

Speaking at the event in Cullahill National School, Paul O’Connell who is the ALDI Play Rugby ambassador said: “It’s always a joy to meet with the rugby stars of tomorrow and see up close the positive impact ALDI Play Rugby is having on boys and girls across Ireland. Here in Cullahill, there was an awful lot of talent on display, and it was an absolute pleasure to meet with the students and their teachers. ALDI’s continued support of grassroots rugby as well as its commitment to instilling healthy habits in our kids is to be welcomed and I am proud to be a part of it.”

ALDI Play Rugby is a non-contact primary school rugby programme, developed by the IRFU and supported by ALDI. It offers primary school students a safe and fun introduction to rugby and aims to encourage children to get active, participate in regular exercise and eat healthily. As part of the programme, schools are offered access to invaluable resources including sessions with Community Rugby Officers, online coaching resources and free coaching equipment.