Limerick successfully host prestigious international rugby tournament

The 2025 Atlantic Youth Touch Cup was held in the University of Limerick over the August Bank Holiday weekend.

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This was the largest international touch rugby tournament ever to take place in Ireland with 45 international youth teams from 12 countries descending on the University of Limerick.

The competing countries were Ireland, France, England, China, Belgium, Cayman Islands, Lebanon, Portugal, Scotland, South Africa, Ukraine and Wales. 

Approximately 3,000 visitors were in Limerick over the weekend to watch the tournament.

The Atlantic Cup consisted of nine categories with boys, girls and mixed competitions at under 15, under 18 and under 20.

England won a number of categories with Ireland winning gold in the mixed 18s competition, silver in the mixed 20s and bronze in the boys 15s categories.

Hosting the Atlantic Cup in Limerick was the brainchild of Ireland Touch Association (ITA) chairperson and Tournament Director Michelle Mulcahy.

Michelle is a native of Askeaton and she and her organising committee worked for six months to realise the tournament with the support of tournament partners, Fáilte Ireland and Limerick City and County Council.

"We couldn't have wished for the Atlantic Cup to go better, from standard of touch across all categories, good weather and a great atmosphere, the cherry on top was the achievement of our Irish teams. The future of Touch is bright for potential Olympics in 2032," Michelle said.