Specsavers Headford Road has announced its new partnership with St. Joseph’s College (The Bish ), becoming the official Optical Partner for the school’s esteemed rugby teams for the 2025-2026 season.
This collaboration highlights the local Specsavers’ store’s dedication to nurturing local talent, strengthening community ties, and championing the vital role of optimal eye health in sports.
Miriam Murphy, Optometry Director at Specsavers Headford Road, and a passionate Connacht Rugby fan, shared her personal excitement for the initiative.
“As Optometry Director and a big Connacht Rugby fan, I’m genuinely excited about this partnership. Rugby’s always been a passion of mine, and I love how it brings people together and builds character. Supporting a local school team feels like a great fit for us. It’s about encouraging young talent, being part of the community, and sharing the kind of team spirit we value in our store every day.”
The partnership evolved from a desire to offer more than just traditional sponsorship, developing into a comprehensive “care package” approach designed to provide significant benefits to the players.
Miriam continued, expressing the team’s absolute delight in partnering with The Bish rugby club. She highlighted it as a brilliant opportunity to support young athletes and contribute to something that brings real energy to the community, adding that they look forward to seeing the players thrive both on and off the pitch and cheering them on every step of the way.
Annette Flanagan, Retail Director at Specsavers Headford Road, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the broader impact. “This collaboration means a lot to us. It’s not just about rugby- it’s about backing local talent, building connections, and showing young people that their hard work is seen and supported. We’re proud to be part of their journey and excited for what’s ahead.”
Stephen Mason, Rugby Coach at St. Joseph’s College, underscored the practical advantages for the teams. “Optimal vision is non-negotiable in rugby, impacting everything from tracking the ball to making split-second decisions and avoiding injury,” Mr Mason stated.
“Having Specsavers provide professional eye care for our players is a significant boost. It gives them a competitive edge, enhances their safety, and allows them to play with greater confidence, knowing they have the best possible support.” This dedication to ensuring peak optical performance for athletes is deeply embedded in Specsavers’ values, a message recently amplified by Ireland Rugby player Linda Djougang in her contact lens campaign, further underscoring the undeniable importance of sharp vision in sport.
The partnership will see Specsavers Headford Road equip The Bish rugby teams with a complete eyecare package. This includes access to professional optical services crucial for both peak performance and injury prevention. This tailored support aims to give players a significant boost in confidence and capability.
Optimal vision is paramount in rugby, where players must constantly track the ball, anticipate opponents’ movements, and maintain peripheral awareness to avoid collisions and execute plays. Through this partnership, players will have the opportunity to avail of current sight tests, including peripheral vision and colour vision testing, directly addressing how poor vision can impact passes, tackles, and overall game strategy.
For more information or to book an eye test, visit Specsavers Headford Road at https://www.specsavers.ie/stores/headfordroad or call (09 ) 150 7050.
