Energia is thrilled to shine a light on grassroots clubs around the country.

If you arrive at Co. Carlow’s Old Park Road, there is a good chance one of the first faces that will greet you this season is Aurlene Browne. During the 2025/26 season, she is being kept busy in a variety of roles. It’s the life of a volunteer, which grassroots clubs thrive on.

“I’m Club President, Honorary Secretary and I’m Chairperson of the Carlow Bees”, Browne says proudly, when talking about her many roles this season.

When named Club President last summer, she was quick to point out the values that make the club so special.

“While I may not have a long family history here, I’ve grown to love and respect everything this club stands for — community, inclusiveness, and pride in the jersey.”

Browne was a founding member of the Co. Carlow Bees, which is the mixed-ability side created by one of Ireland’s oldest clubs.

“When I got first involved with the club, and started going to Ireland and Leinster matches, I always got a buzz from the half-time matches, whether it be the Minis, or players with additional needs.

“In conversations in the club, I realised that former IRFU President Des Kavanagh set up the Spirit of Rugby programme. I told him I wanted to set up a team in Carlow. I spoke to Stephen Gore in Leinster, and he guided us on what needed to be done, and we started from there.”

One of the first teams in Leinster to set up their own team, the Bees are almost a decade in existence. Browne says the team has grown beyond all recognition in those ten years.

“We had a six-week taster, and had good numbers, but our regular training on Thursdays started with just five players. We’re now at 30, so it’s gone from strength to strength.

While Co. Carlow is one of the most recognisable sporting names in the area, Browne says that the help from the local community was key in getting the team started.

“We have a very active Sports Partnership in the area, called Active Carlow. They were very eager to help out with giving sports opportunities to those with additional needs. We were the first club in Carlow in any code, to have an exclusive, inclusive team.”

While the playing numbers have increased, so too has the coaching staff. Browne is eager to pay credit to those who have helped out on a weekly basis, both on and off the field.

“In the beginning we struggled for coaches. It was probably a fear factor in being unsure of how to deal with the kids, and how to train them too. We’re lucky now to have the benefit of 1:1 coaching on the pitch. This has helped the players massively, and it’s something we’re really proud of.”

Unlike the other teams in the club, the Bees all play together no matter the age, but Browne hopes to see that change in the future.

“At present, we have players that are aged from 6 to 21. They all play together, but we do have a younger section, and an older section too for sessions.

“My ideal dream for the Bees is to have a junior team and a senior team. We would love to have more adults join the club. Plenty of clubs have adults in their teams.”

Despite the name. Co. Carlow has players from numerous counties, due to Carlow town’s central location.

“We have a player that comes from Baltinglass every week”, Browne mentions. 

“We run a summer camp every year, and that’s how he ended up becoming a Bee. His brother joined Co. Carlow FC too. We’re a family club, and we want to welcome everyone from all over the area.

“Kilkenny and Athy don't have inclusive teams, so we get players from those areas too, which broadens the catchment area for us. We’ll take players from any area, as long as the parents are willing to travel each week.”

The club is over 150 years old, but the last decade has seen the Bees become a crucial cog in the wheel.

“This team is part of the Co. Carlow club. They may have additional needs, but they are key to the club. They may be called the Bees, but they wear the same jerseys as our Senior teams. It’s key to have a team like the Bees in the club.

In December, Energia Ambassador Hugo Keenan surprised the Bees with a training session, ahead of their upcoming blitz on 28th February.

“Only three of us knew Hugo was coming, so it was a surprise for everyone”, Browne said.

“To see someone as famous as Hugo on our pitch, with our players was exceptional. Plenty of the younger players wouldn't recognise him, but the older players were in awe. With what he did with the Lions last summer, he’s one of the most famous players in the World.”

It’s the second time the club have hosted a blitz for Rugby for All teams, with clubs from Munster and Connacht being invited on this occasion.

For Browne, and her colleagues, they want to host the event for a very simple reason.

“We simply do this to see the faces of the players and their parents on matchdays on the pitch. Unless you see it, it’s hard to describe how powerful these days are. Everyone has love in their hearts, and it’s a day full of smiles, where the outside world can easily be forgotten.”

Energia sponsors rugby in Ireland at all levels, including in grassroots with the Energia AIL, and as Official Energy Partner for the Ireland Men’s and Women’s teams, along with Connacht Rugby and Leinster Rugby. 

The Energia Rugby for All initiative supports inclusion, welcoming everyone of all abilities to play the game.