At 10.00 am (and that's sharp, we have over 150 matches to schedule across the two days!) the first pool plays in the five competitions kick off. Play ends at around 6.00pm, depending on number of teams entered. The bar in the Main Marquee opens around 12pmwith music and fun all day, and there is a wonderful choice of food available from 10amonwards in the Food Marquee. The Main Marquee stays open until around 8pm at which time players make their way back into the town for rest or further entertainment.

Kicking off again at 10.00am sharp, some pool play will be completed and all competitions move to the knockout phases. Play ends usually around 5-6pm, again depending on number of teams entered. The Plate competitions in the Open & Social section, together with trophies for the winners, ensures that teams at all levels of skills and fitness have something to play for. Followed on Sunday night by the festival club at a venue in Kinsale town – tickets available at the event marquee..

A note on timing - many have commented in the past on the efficiency of the tournament, how if you have match scheduled for (say) 2pm it will kick off at 2pm. If your team doesn't turn up at your allotted time then you cede the match and lose the points. With over 80 teams on the prowl it cannot work any other way. Our regular players and team managers really appreciate this, and as we have been running the competition for many years now we take pride in our close control of matches and start times. As you would expect at any event of this size, we have full First Aid, medical Doctor and physiotherapy services on site across the weekend. Our wristband and drinks voucher schemes ensure that we comply with the law whilst enhancing the enjoyment of the event for players and spectators. All participants must be over 18 years of age and a member of a rugby club.