Liberty Saints changing lives in Dublin

Set up in October 2005, Liberty Saints seeks to reach out to young people in south inner-city Dublin through encouragement, challenges, advice and ongoing care.

Many young people in the area endure a difficult upbringing, battling the chaos of drug and alcohol abuse, open drug dealing, fear, intimidation and severe anti-social behaviour.

However, through rugby Liberty Saints seeks to grow its players into strong and healthy male role models for the young boys who live in their communities.

And despite enduring some difficult seasons, with falling attendances and limited volunteers, the club is now hitting its stride.

This season the Saints have a club structure with a president in Tom Magee and honorary secretary in Simon Bewley.

At the beginning of this season the club entered its first league competition at under-16 and has seen a great improvement in both performances and attitudes. The club also has a development team at under-12.

Most of the club's players come from inner-city Dublin and rugby is often something new for them but they are starting to understand the game and receive more enjoyment from training and playing matches.

Many people have commented on how the players have matured as individuals through their involvement with the club.

The hope is that all they have learnt in this regard will stand to each player later in life and also be something that they in turn can pass on to the next generation of players in the club and all young people in their area.

For more information contact Tom Magee on 087 298 7876 or Simon Bewley on 087 052 3482

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