Blackrock College RFC Programme 2015/16 by Rooney Media

Season 2015 / 2016

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Message from the President Blackrock College RFC 2015/2016 I am very honoured to be President of Blackrock College RFC for the Season 2015/2016 and would like to welcome everyone to Stradbrook. As you will be aware the last Season has seen some great additions to our Club with new Floodlights and a fantastic new Gym. Many thanks to Declan Carroll and the rest of the Executive Committee for all their hard work in bringing our Club into a new and exciting era. Congratulations to our Head Coach Emmett Farrell and his backroom team and Players in gaining Promotion to Division 1B of the AIL. It is very noticeable that there is a great buzz amongst all the Players , both Male and Female, in looking forward to the new Season. I wish all our Teams, Firsts, Womens, Junior, Under 20â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, Youths and Minis continuing success this Season.

I also thank the Community and Staff of Blackrock College , including Fr. Corman Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Brolchain CSSp, Fr Tom Nash CSSp , Fr. Denis Gavin CSSp and the College Principle Alan Mac Ginty for their support of the Club. A big thanks to all our Sponsors and Club Volunteers for their continuing support. We are planning to expand on the Social activities in the Club and hope to see all our Members and Supporters in Stradbrook in the coming months. Enjoy the Season Paddy Lucey.

We are delighted to welcome our very successful Minis and Youths Section into full integration with the Senior Club and look forward to seeing the Mums and Dads at the many Social events planned for the year. We also extend a warm welcome to Cabinteely FC on the new ground sharing agreement with Blackrock College RFC. It is great to see our facilities being used during the Summer months when Rugby is in hibernation. We wish Blackrock College Bridge Club and their President Kate Faulkner Sheridan continued success. Congratulations to David Coen in his role as President of the Blackrock College Past Pupils Union and their ongoing support for the Rugby Club.

Message to Blackrock College RFC from Martin O’Sullivan, President, IRFU I am delighted to extend my best wishes to all members of Blackrock College RFC with the hope that – across all the grades – you derive every enjoyment and success from the 2015-’16 season. I congratulate Paddy Lucey on his election as club President and wish your 1st XV every further success following your promotion back to Division 1 B of the Ulster Bank League. I share with all clubs the excited anticipation of what the season has in store, headed by the staging of Rugby World Cup, the defence by Ireland of both the men’s and women’s RBS Six Nations championships and the challenge by our provincial teams in the Guinness Pro 12 and European competitions. Across the club scene there is also much to enthuse, as highlighted in the Ulster Bank League which breaks new and exciting ground with the introduction of a ﬁve division format of 10 clubs each, played on a home and away format.

it will also put in place the popular Your Club Your Country Grand Draw, in association with Ulster Bank. Last season the programme raised €654,000 for participant clubs. This brings to €2.6 million the amount raised by clubs – at no cost to them. I sincerely thank Ulster Bank for their continued support as the IRFU’s Community rugby partners. Its wide and varied portfolio includes sponsorship of the Ulster Bank League and Awards, plus the Irish Club international team, the Bateman All Ireland Cup and the Ulster Bank Rugby Force programme. Meantime, best wishes to all at Stradbrook. Martin O’Sullivan. President – IRFU 2015/2016.

The 2015-’16 League also marks the introduction of a Player Points System (PPS) which is designed to incentivise youth development, to curb transfers and to encourage club loyalty. These innovations follow extensive consultation with the clubs and it is the Union’s ambition for the Ulster Bank League to become an enhanced premier domestic competition, creating a greater platform for clubs to promote themselves within their local communities and to generate sufﬁcient revenues to develop and be sustainable for the future. In this regard, the Union is delighted that again this season, in addition to traditional funding, 3

Message from the Leinster Branch President As President of Leinster Rugby, I am delighted to pen a few words for your Club’s programme. May I start by congratulating your President Paddy Lucey on his election to office. I’m sure he will have an enjoyable and memorable year. Also to your club Coach, Emmet Farrell (the Leinster performance analyst), hopefully your pre-season training went well. I’m sure you are all in good shape for a long season ahead. You finished second in the Ulster Bank All Ireland League Division 2A last season which was a great achievement. I know Emmett and his team will be looking to follow up on that in the newly structured leagues where you will be competing in Division 1B. I was impressed with your new gym which I saw at the end of last season, I know that the squad has made full use of it this summer. Your club has a vibrant youth and mini section with over 550 boys and girls participating. This is a great achievement on your behalf and bodes well for your future as these young men and women start coming through your system and onto the Senior teams. I especially note that your Womens team finished second in their league last season and as you are one of the few clubs who are fielding two Womens team you should also be able to build on that success. I can’t forget your O’ Connor Cup team who finished runners up in last season competition. I wish you well with night time games and they should be a big hit with the installation of your TV standard floodlights. It could lead to a few long nights in your clubhouse! O course none of this is possible without all Of the volunteers who give of their time so freely. I thank you for this and hope you will stay involved for many more seasons. I know all rugby supporters are looking forward go to going to or watching the Rugby World Cup. 4

We all wish Joe and his team the best of luck in the competition. Who knows, we just might go where no Ireland team has gone before! While all this is going on it will be business as usual in the Guinness PRO12. Leo and his coaching team have worked hard during the off season so hopefully they will see the fruits of their labour. The ‘Boys in Blue’ will need and appreciate all our support this year and especially in the European Champions Cup where we are in another “Pool of Death”, so why don’t you pop round the corner and lend your support? May I ﬁnally take this opportunity to thank Ben Underwood, your Leinster Branch Representative, for all the great work he does for our Province. He has been a very successful Chairman of the Leinster Professional Game Board these past few season. Here’s to a great season. Robert McDermott President Leinster Rugby

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Message from Ulster Bank The 2014/2015 Ulster Bank League was yet another nail-biting season, full of exciting and enthralling matches with the Division 1a final being played at the Aviva Stadium for the very first time, a fitting celebration of the club game in Ireland. Now it’s the time of the year when thoughts turn to new beginnings as teams across the country prepare for a new season ahead. The 2015-2016 season will also mark the 26th anniversary of the Ulster Bank League. It’s been another great year for Irish rugby with the national side’s successful RBS 6 Nations campaign and some fantastic achievements from the provincial sides. Local clubs are the lifeblood of the game and we continue to be impressed and inspired by the dedication and passion of players, coaches, club staff and community volunteers. Week in, week out, you give your time and talent to ensure that rugby continues to thrive at a local, provincial and national level. This is Ulster Bank’s sixth season as Official Community Rugby Partner to the IRFU, a partnership which includes title sponsorship of the All-Ireland Club League and the Irish Club International team. Ulster Bank is extremely proud to support grassroots rugby and this season, we will be continuing with our Ulster Bank League awards as well as shortly announcing our 2015 ‘Ulster Bank RugbyForce’ winners. Five lucky clubs will be selected for a very special makeover, one club winning €10,000 and four provincial clubs winning €5,000. Since the initiative began in 2010, over €160,000 has been awarded to 165 clubs. For further information on Ulster Bank RugbyForce and all of Ulster Bank’s rugby initiatives, follow us on our facebook page www.facebook.com/UlsterBankRugby or on Twitter @ulsterbankrugby. Ulster Bank is dedicated to the future of Irish rugby and we are looking forward to another outstanding season in club rugby, which no doubt will lead to a fantastic final next May. As clubs around the country get ready to kick off the new season on behalf of everyone at Ulster Bank I want to say good luck to all involved.

Maeve McMahon Director of Customer Experience and Products Ulster Bank

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“Rock Boys” at the Mardyke Cashel the Coach carrying the Skerries Team, the only other side that could deny Rock Promotion, was spotted turning in towards the Cashel RFC grounds. Needless to say there were no expressions of “Good luck” directed to Skerries.

The last Match of the long 2014/15 AIL Season saw Rock travel to play the Students of UCC at their famous Mardyke grounds on 11th April. With one foot already on the Promotion ladder from Division 2A a large contingent of Supporters travelled down to Cork by car and by Coach to back the Team. A Group of 45 Supporters pitched up early morning at Stradbrook to travel by Coach to the game., with Under 20’s, Junior Team and Womens Team

And so on to the big match. On a fine Spring day , with the River Lee in the background, Rock started the game badly and succeeded in producing their worst display since the first match in September, when we shipped 35 Points to Barnhall. Whether there was a degree of complacency or we forgot the UCC Students were fighting for their lives to avoid Relegation,

Players mixing with the more elderly former Players and Supporters. As one of the older Supporters remarked it was like the old days of the AIL when Supporter Trains went to Cork, Limerick, Galway and Belfast from Blackrock Station (these were the days before Professional Rugby and the Heineken Cup). The Pitstop on the journey was beside the Rock of Cashel for Brunch refreshments. Pulling out of 9

announced that Skerries 10-3 lead had been turned into a 10-15 deﬁcet by Cashel. Therefore when UCC were awarded another Penelty opportunity with the last play of the game the instruction from their Coach was to kick the ball dead into touch, as the 2 Draw points had made them safe from relegation.

the Rock performance produced a litany of dropped passes, knock-ons, off-sides and missed lineouts in a lethargic display. However, the difference between the 2 bookend Season games was that a losing 3-15 position, against a highly motivated UCC side, was that after an hours play the Team suddenly woke up and put in a transformational final 20 minutes. Mark Scott-Lennon,on his first appearance after a long injury lay off, came off the Bench and somehow managed to wriggle and somersault over for a Try at the corner flag to commence the come back on the Scoreboard. And then with about 10 minutes left on the clock second row Davy Walsh took off on a rampaging run from 35 yards out through the UCC defence to crash over under the Posts, leaving Jack O’Carroll with a simple conversion to level the scores. However more drama was to ensue when UCC missed a kickable penalty attempt from 30 yards. In the meantime Supporters Apps.

Cue big pitch celebrations between Players, back-up personnel and Supporters and a full on rendering of “Rock Boys” by the Players. A unique occasion as UCC also celebrated with a rendering of their own anthem: “Ta Rax”. It was a happy Coach crew of Supporters that returned from the Mardyke to Stradbrook, there to be joined by the Players and Team Management. The new Floodlights were turned on to capture a Team photograph on the main pitch. Congratulations to Emmett Farrell and his backup Team and to Davy Rowan and his Squad in achieving Promotion to Division 1B and thanks for the many memories of a great Season. Onwards and Upwards now that Rock are back in Division 1B.

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AIL Fixtures 2015/2016 Men’s AIL Fixtures - Division 1B 2015

2016

Friday 11th September v. Dublin University

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Saturday 19th September v. Shannon

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Saturday 26th September v. Bucaneers

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Saturday 3rd October v. St.Marys College

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Saturday 17th October v. Ballymena

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Saturday 31st October v UL Bohemians

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Saturday 7th November v. Old Wesley

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Saturday 28th November v. Belfast Harlequins

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Saturday 5th December v. Dolphin

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Saturday 2nd January v. Dolphin

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Saturday 9th January v. Belfast Harlequins

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Saturday 29th January v. Old Wesley

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Saturday 6th February v. UL Bohemians

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Saturday 20th February v. Ballymena

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Saturday 27th February v.St. Marys College

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Saturday 5th March v. Bucaneers

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Saturday 2nd April v. Shannon

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Saturday 16th April v. Dublin University

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All Saturday Kick-offs at 2.30pm.

Womens AIL Fixtures - Division 1 2015

Sunday 20th September v. Queens University

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Sunday 27th September v. Old Belvedere

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Sunday 4th October v. St. Marys College

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Sunday 18th October v. Galwegians

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Sunday 25th October v. Highﬁeld

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Sunday 1st November Free Date Sunday 15th November v. Railway Union

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Sunday 22nd November v. Cooke

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Sunday 29th November v. UL Bohemians

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All Sunday Kick-offs at 1pm. 12

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Minis & Youths – Season 2015/16 It’s hard to believe that we are nearing the start of a new season so soon! Season 2014/15 was a whirlwind year for me in my new role as Chairman, for all the members of the Mini & Youth Executive and likewise for all our volunteers and coaches. There are really too many people to thank for what was an incredibly busy season with very many highlights. There were four major highlights during the season for me and in speaking to so many others involved in the section, they felt likewise. The Under 10’s; Under 11’s and Under 12’s touring endeavours stood out as an amazing experience for the club and more importantly for each individual player involved. The feedback and general testimony from parents who were involved in these three age groups touring activities was wonderful. The fact that we won a plate and a shield was fantastic, but the overriding success from the trips was the “coming of age” of young players and the parent child extra bonding experience that occurred during the trips. Touring is a vital part of our plans going forward. The club as a whole are embracing the importance of not just hosting touring sides, but also going on tours away ourselves.

BLACKROCK COLLEGE R.F.C.

It should be in the minds of all players growing towards the Under 10, 11 and 12 sections that they are practising and preparing for a wonderful tour in each of those years. Another huge and vitally important highlight was the fruits of a lot of hard graft by the coaches and Club Community Relations Ofﬁcer involved in setting up a brand new Under 16/17 squad. The real highlight was not just the formation of that squad, but the night where that squad, joined by players from Blackrock College’s Senior training squad, facing a formidable touring side from South Africa, Monument High School. This was a particularly noteworthy occasion on a lot of levels. It was the ﬁrst match played

BLACKROCK COLLEGE R.F.C. 15

under ﬂood light at Blackrock College RFC. Equally noteworthy was the gelling of the school players with our squad players that came from six different other local schools. The range of experience was from Senior Cup Team squad members right down to players who had just started playing rugby only 3 months before. The result was a really hard earned draw and the manner in which the much smaller in stature boys on our side took on the South African giants was incredible to see, as was the very many displays of great skill on the day, none more so than our ﬁrst try scored within 1 minute of the kick off! As a general note, I would like to thank all the parents who have volunteered to give of their time in helping out with so many functions within the running of the section. There is no way quite simply that we can function as a section (especially with so many members), without the support of so many volunteers. The section now has in excess of 550 players and also in excess of 135 coaches. All our coaches are parents of players and more than 90% of our coaches have completed formal coaching training through the thoroughly excellent courses run by Leinster Rugby. The administrative burden of maintaining the section ticking over falls mainly on the volunteer members of the Executive. Our main request at all times throughout the season is for people to continue to read any announcements released and to continue to respond positively towards all requests for assistance. A structural change for the season 2015/16 has seen us appoint a Director of Rugby for the entire section. This role will be a pivotal role and one that will focus entirely on the development of rugby for all our players at all skill or experience levels at all age grades. Our core philosophy at Blackrock College RFC is one of absolute inclusiveness for all players of all abilities at all age groups. It is our responsibility as a club to maximise the levels 16

of fun and enjoyment of the game for all the players. We ensure to at all times welcome any new members at any age, regardless of playing experience and we endeavour to create an equal playing opportunity for all players likewise. In addition however, with the sheer scale of players in the section and in some of the individual age groups, we have put the resource of Director of Rugby in place to support all coaches, through each groups Head of Rugby. The support will be in laying out the skills development areas, how to assess where our players are in terms of individual skills and how to plan our training sessions to ensure all age groups are helping all players at all levels to raise their skill levels across the board whilst still ensuring they enjoy their training Our new Director of Rugby is Stephen Costello from Leinster Rugby, who many of our members will know already as he has done a terrific job as our Leinster Rugby appointed Club Community Relations Officer. On a final important note, it is with great pleasure that I remind all members of the Mini & Youth section that one parent or guardian from each family will be a full club member for the Season 2015/16. This has been greed with the main club Executive and voted in at the AGM of the club. This is an extremely welcome move in embracing our section into the club as a whole. The future of Blackrock College RFC, lies predominantly in our Mini & Youth players and parents. As club members alongside life members, ladies members, playing members and Junior members, the complete planning for the future of the club is best served with the view of all our sections being equally presented as is now the case. I look forward to seeing everyone in Season 2015/16 and to welcoming another traunch of new members into this great club! Aidan Finn, Chairman Minis & Youths.

Blackrock Women 2014 - 2015 Season Recap The women of Blackrock College RFC had a very successful 2014/15 season, building on the foundations of a solid 2013/14 season. This year saw the Blackrock women fielding two teams, showing their strength in numbers at training week in, week out. The resurrection of the J1s team after 5 years is certainly one of the major highlights of the season. This season, the J1 team competed in the Leinster League Div 3 and has had successful victories over local rivals St. Mary’s J1s, Old Belvedere J2s and Tallaght. Representation on provincial and international panels continues to grow with 2 Blackrock women on the 2014 Women’s Rugby World Cup Squad, 5 on the Irish 15’s 2015 Six Nations Squad, 2 on the 7s World Series circuit and 10 in the Leinster Interprovincial team. With many new recruits showing great promise and commitment, 2014/15 was set to be one of the most competitive seasons yet. The 2014 pre-season began with another summer of 7s tournaments with the ladies coming out as winners in Athlone, Greystones and Kilkenny. Eight strong teams are ranked in the top flight of the women’s AIL. Aware of the task ahead for 2014/15, the goal was set at the beginning of the season to reach and win the AIL final. The ladies got off to a winning start in a sunny Stradbrook in October with a 7-try win over locals St. Mary’s RFC. Next stop Tralee, for another victory from the Rock side introducing a number of new caps to the team. The third game of the league saw the women play Highfield RFC at home. For the first time in 4 years of the AIL, Blackrock came out on top against the Cork natives. While it was a physical affair and there was little between both teams, the Blackrock side showed bigger hits, harder lines and greater execution of opportunities to score, finishing with a 25-0 win.

Next up was the local derby versus Old Belvedere. For 50 minutes of the game, Blackrock held Old Belvedere to a 3-0 lead, but a 30 minute scoring spree from Belvo in the second half was too much for Rock’s defence, leaving the final score at 39-0. Putting the loss behind them, the Rock ladies won the next two games versus UL Bohs and newcomers to the AIL Div 1, Railway Union. A loss to Galwegians placed Blackrock second in the league, granting them home advantage for the AIL semi-final. Galwegians then pipped Railway out of the Top 4 playoff spot, meaning that Blackrock would face the Galway girls for the second time in the space of two weeks to battle it out for a place in the AIL final. Determined to make a comeback from the previous week’s defeat to Galwegians, the Rock ladies showed immense fortitude and strength to overcome the travelling side 17-7 and guarantee their place in the AIL final. The only obstacle in the way of AIL silverware was Old Belvedere. It was clear from kick-off under the Donnybrook floodlights that this would be a high intensity 19

match. Belvo got in for the first try, but a number of penalties and 2 yellow cards later saw their side reduce to 13 women. Blackrock took advantage and levelled the game 5-5 before halftime. Blackrock worked tirelessly but Belvo’s clinical finishing was too strong on the night. The 26-5 final score was not reflective of the enormous effort put in by the Rock women that evening. The ladies have set the target again for the coming season. A little rusty after the New Year, the Blackrock women lost their first Cup game of 2015 to Galwegians. A draw against St. Mary’s, followed by two wins with good scores on the board against Belvo J1s and Port Dara, showed signs of a Rock side getting back into the groove. The winning streak continued as the women sought revenge against Galwegians from their earlier defeat, beating them 7-14 in the quarter final. The Blackrock women were beaten in a very close Cup semi-final against eventual Cup winners Railway Union (who went on to beat Highfield in the final 19-13). The 2014/15 season also marked the ‘Year of the Blackrock Babies’ – congratulations to all of our past and present players on the birth of their baby girls over the season, whom we hope to see at the Minis in a few years’ from now! Congratulations to Jennifer Loftus on the birth of Abbey, Alana Meehan on the birth of Fiadh, Mel Morey on the birth of Hanorah and Carrie Hanley on the birth of Isabelle. There must be something in those water bottles!

for keeping us organised, motivated and on our toes throughout the year. Both Carrie and Michelle have devoted so much of their time not only to the women’s team but also to the club – thank you both. All in all, 2014/15 has been a fantastic season for the women’s division of the club. So, here’s to an even more successful year ahead – we’d like to wish everyone well for the 2015/16 season - including Paddy Lucey as incoming President, the men in the Ulster Bank League Division 1B and indeed the rest of the teams in the club. Katie Norris. Leinster Honours 2014/15 Joanna Mahon Vikki McGinn Katie Norris Amy O’Neill Aoife Tyrell Leinster Squad 2014/15 Tammy Breen Michelle Claffey Karla Dunne Niamh Grifﬁn Aine Ní Chahtáin Ireland 7’s

Finally, the Blackrock women would like to thank the Waterloo Bar & Grill, Baggot Street, for their continued support as our main sponsor. We would like to say a massive thank you and farewell to our 2014/15 head coach, Keith Murphy, who has been a credit to the development of our team and we wish him well as he goes on to coach the Trinity U20s this year. We would like to thank the rest of our coaching team, Ross McCormack and Josh Brown, and also our club physio Peter Mulrean, Adelaide Physiotherapy. Last but not least, huge appreciation must be shown to Carrie Hanley, Senior Women’s team manager and Michelle Claffey, J1 Women’s team manager 20

Katie Fitzhenry Shannon Houston Ireland 6 Nations Honours 2014/15 Katie Fitzhenry Katie Norris Tania Rosser Ireland 6 Nations Squad 2014/15 Jeamie Deacon Vikki MGinn

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Chairman’s Statement for BCRFC Programme for Season 2015/6 Last season saw many signiﬁcant events take place in the Club – promotion for the Firsts, state of the art gym, lights on the main pitch, agreement with Cabinteely FC, Strictly Stradbrook, a tour and, the development with the potential for the most long term effect, the welcoming of the Minis and Youths into the full life of the Club. There is a renewed sense of pride in the Club and a palpable buzz and craic. Thanks to all the volunteers and supporters that made these achievements possible. The challenge now for this season is to build on all the hard work and continue to develop a sustainable ﬁnancial model for the Club in the context of a community- based and multi-sport approach. Your Executive will continue to strive to maintain high governance standards. We have had two strategy sessions to prepare for the Season ahead and we are clear on our objectives and priorities; -

win promotion again have a clear and effective 2/3 year recruitment policy continue with our policy of inclusiveness throughout the Club improve communication generally and speciﬁcally introduce a newsletter have 2/3 deﬁnite fund-raising events in the diary as early as possible have a number of social events where the emphasis is on fun and not money set up a group to oversee integration of Minis and Youths - continue to pursue development options for site with a view to reducing/eliminating our bank debt - encourage new members and volunteers to join and get involved (if each member recruited one member we would double our membership!) Let’s keep going forward and I hope we have some good fun along the way. All the best for the new Season and thanks again to our volunteers, supporters and sponsors. Frank O’ Riordan Chairman

Alan Mac Ginty 2015 Alan joined Rock in September 2008 from Blackrock College School. I was Chairman of the U20s from 2005-2012 and many great players came through during that period who went on to play professional Rugby including: Zach Farivarz, Kyle Tonetti (current Under 21’s coach) Niall Morris, the Cahill brothers, Luke Fitzgerald (trained and was due to play All Ireland Final) Dave Moore, Ian Madigan and Jordi Murphy who played with AJ on the winning McCorry team in 2010 and now AJ who has as we go to print 3 International caps for USA Eagles having played against Samoa, Japan and Canada in the Nations Cup and scoring a Drop goal in the dying seconds to win the game 15-13 against Canada and hopefully by the time you are reading this another 2 against Canada and Australia in September. My Parents and Ajs Grand parents were friends when I was in Rock, they living on Seapoint Avenue and us on Sydney Avenue Blackrock, and I was in class with his uncle Karl and a year ahead of Alan Senior who I played with in Stradbrook when we left school.

Alan and Jordi Murphy.

So there was a connection going back and in the years that AJ joined Stradbrook his Granny and my Mother were neighbours in Killiney Hill apartments, so needless to say every time I visited my Mother ,Blathnaid would be there asking how her favourite Grandson was doing and was I ensuring that he was being looked after. As far as I can remember Balthnaid was at every one of Ajs games. Mick Hearty ,the Team Manager during that period, and who did all the work on the recruitment along with the coaches tells me of his first interview with AJ when he was asking him if he would join us in Stradbrook. AJ arrived with his Agent, Enda Norton, for the negotiations. The outcome was confidential but I would expect one of the conditions was a life supply of Miraculous medals for all the squad with free Blackcurrent and the occasional pint of Smithwicks shandy for his agent. AJ had Blackrock College in his blood and that showed in his commitment to the Club both on and off the pitch. Shane Mc Clafferty was his Coach when AJ Captained the U20s to winning the McCorry cup in 2010 and spoke of AJs innate skillset and deceptive strength who always made the gains in the tightest of situations and who played and acted with great courage and Leadership. That leadership was often shown in Blackrock village late into the night but he always had his team mates backs and they his. AJ joined Rock as a scrumhalf and Decy Smith, Assistant Coach and mentor, claims the credit for converting him to Outhalf. Whatever, it proved to be the right move and you can still hear Decy talking about their conversations during training and in the Club house after the Games, with both his index fingers pointing to the ground and a backward motion shuffle as he verbalised the usual expletives. AJ had great respect for Smithy, and it was mutual, and it made for great team spirit. 23

Canada(15 Pts) including scoring a winning drop goal in the dying seconds for USA to win 15-13. His 4th cap is due on the 22nd August and also another against Australia on the 5th September all going well. Academic BA from NCI in Accounting and Human Resource Management 2011. MSc, in Sports Science Life U Georgia 2015.

Aj was capt of this McCorry Cup winning team.

Particularly in that year of 2009 when we were beaten in the All Ireland final by UL Bohs Having won the Leinster League and Waterpark and Garryowen festivals along with other competitions His sporting career to date is Alan was on the JCT in 2005, beaten by Belvedere in the semi-final but Alan didn’t play as he was sick . He was on the SCT in 2008, beaten in quarter final replay by Clongoes . He was on the bench in 2007. With his father and grandmother and Enda.

AJ was also an accomplished Soccer player being on the Leinster Senior schools soccer team in 2007. Beaten in the final, on penalties, by St. Vincent’s Glasnevin . Leaving school in 2008 he joined Blackrock College RFC. All Ireland under 20 finalist 2009, beaten by U L Bohs. Captain of McCorry cup winning team 2010. 2011/12 member of Blackrock College RFC Division 1A Senior squad . Winner of all America rugby cup with NYAC (2012), Life University. (2013/2014). Also winner of USA Eastern Championship Life University 2015 ( no all American final played this year ). Toured Argentina and Uruguay with USA select April 2015. (3 “A” caps). Debut for USA Eagles July 18th 2015 in the Nations Cup V Samoa (scored 11 Points) also beat Japan( scored 18 pts) and against 24

I remember when AJ was with the Blackrock U20s squad and we played in numerous games against the best of talent in that age group in Leinster and Ireland, at that time, and were being watched week in week out by the people who selected the Representative teams in Ireland, and could not understand why he was constantly being overlooked. Hopefully Ireland will look now and as you read this he may be playing for USA Eagles in the current Rugby World cup and maybe that could have been Ireland or will be in the future. Best of Luck AJ Freddie Connolly Chairman Blackrock College RFC U20s 2005-2012

wishes Blackrock College R.F.C. every success

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Never mind the Balearics: Ibiza 2015 When’s the last time Blackrock College RFC went on a full 1st XV tour? Pub quiz time. After much head-scratching, we ﬁgured it was way back in the year 2000.

Even more expensive than we thought! By early April, Vancouver was off the menu (we’re aiming for there in 2016) and we set our sights on the quiet, rustic, relaxing retreat of, err, Ibiza.

Paris ’07 doesn’t count, by the way, because that was only a two-day job and in any case, we only went so we could watch Ireland v Argentina in the RWC – good times.

We were entered in the Rugby Spy Ibiza 10s tournament, arriving on the Balearic island the morning of our opening match against a Portuguese team named Technico.

A full 15 years since the last tour, so that was part 2 of our start-of-season goal: get promoted back to Division 1; get a tour organised.

The lads were licking their lips in anticipation of an easy win against a team from Portugal – a country not known for its rugby prowess – and in the early stages things were looking good as we pushed for the opening score.

Vancouver was Plan A, mainly because the last trip (Chicago in 2000) had thrown up so many stories that we wanted to recreate the North American vibe. So even though the club was going through some big changes – a fantastic new gym loaded with state-of-the-art equipment plus new ﬂoodlights – we organised a tour committee and started fund-raising for what was sure to be an expensive trip.

Alas, a couple of missed opportunities, a spot of getting to grips with the 10-a-side format, plus the searing 32 degree heat did for us, and when the ﬁnal whistle went were looking at a 19-0 defeat. By that stage we were just glad to get off the pitch and into the shade. Next day we were up against the AD Tens, a UK Army team, with a minute’s silence before kick-

Never mind the Balearics: Ibiza 2015 - continued off in memory of the late great All Black, Jerry Collins, and his wife who had passed away the previous day. Wholesale changes to the team seemed to do the trick as, within minutes of the off, skipper Davy Rowan scooped the ball out of a scrum inside our 22 and showed a clean pair of heels to touch down for our first try. Straight from the restart, Mikey Carroll gathered and after a mazy run found Cian McGinley who worked his way infield. Captain Fantastic stood at first receiver when, out of nowhere, a rampaging stallion in the shape of young Barnett burst through the already tiring AD Tens defence and dotted down for the second time in less than a minute. The squaddies were in a spin at this stage, but they regrouped and hit back with a score of their own to make it 12-5. It was then that the Cooke brothers’ pilates and relaxation therapy kicked in, bringing out the best in the team just when we needed it. A wild 30-metre pass by Barnett was plucked out of the air by the returning Job Langbroek who ran half the length of the pitch only to be dragged to ground inches short of the line. Again Mikey Carroll was on hand to collect the inside pass, again desperate defending held him up short until he flipped the sweetest of offloads back to Langbroek who slithered into the corner for a sensational score. To add the cherry on

top, Barnett belted over the conversion from within touching distance of the hot-dog stand out on the touchline – we had a 26-5 win under our belts, back in the tournament. And back down to earth in our next game! Up against O’Neill’s Nomads of London, a touring 10s team with too much knowledge of the game for us, we went down 24-7 and turned our attention to a Cup quarter ﬁnal on Sunday. Our opponents were 42 RFC who had looked very impressive and were tipped as the only team that could halt the Technico bulldozer that was steamrolling every team in the tournament. (We later found out that Technico were about as Portuguese as Portlaoise, with a lethal mix of Kiwis, Aussies, English and even a few ex-pro Sevens players in their ranks.) We made it to half-time scoreless, disappointed not to have nabbed a score through the hard carrying of tour MVP Jan Simon-Byrne, and were pushing hard when disaster struck. A thunderbolt tackle in front of our own sticks by original tour ‘garbage man’ David Walsh was harshly interpreted as high by the ref – yellow card, down to nine men and the beginning of the end of our Cup aspirations. Wilting in the heat and chasing shadows, we slipped to a frustrating 31-0 loss and a one-way ticket to the Bowl competition. On the plus side, getting knocked out of the Cup meant we could soak up some of the

brilliant atmosphere by taking part in a hotly-contested kicking competition in front of the capacity crowd, and Daniel Barnett duly secured Rock’s first trophy of the weekend. Onto the Bowl competition and, still hurting after our Cup exit, we pledged not to concede another score on Balearic soil. Our gritty determination won the day, and we did not concede a single point en route to collecting the Bowl trophy and the all-important cheque for £250. Even sweeter was to follow, when the captain and hunk/hero of Technico – appropriately named ‘The Closer’ – approached us asking if he could borrow one of our players for the Cup final. Paddy Carroll, brother of Mikey, stepped up and delivered the performance of the weekend on the right wing as Technico cruised to a 26-14 victory. More silverware! The rugby over, we were glad to get back to our luxury Hotel Riviera, just a few minutes from the beautiful San Antonio. We had gone for the ‘Todo Includio’ package, which translates loosely as ‘leave your wallet in your room’, a concept that got the better of one or two members of our party early on. However, once the dreaded ‘garbage man’ tag was applied to anyone acting up, standards improved and we didn’t have to trouble the local hospital, law enforcement or embassy. A group meal was a welcome distraction halfway through the mammoth, eight-day trip while a trip to the amazing ‘Ocean Club de Ibiza’ saw off the last remains of the kitty. There was one final surprise in store as tour veteran, club legend and former captain Michael Jackson showed up out of the blue for the final two

days – bringing with him a man who needs no introduction…… ‘Tired’ doesn’t begin to describe our condition on the way home, but all in all it was one of the best weeks you could ever have – sun, sea, scrums, touchline conversions, length-of-thepitch tries, all in the company of 30 of the ﬁnest men ever to set foot in East Leinster. Who needs Vancouver? Special thanks to Owen Cullen, who gave up many hours to prove the sceptics wrong by making sure the trip went ahead, and to the other committee members including Big Red Kilcoyne, Barney, Davy Rowan, Jan Simon-Byrne, Richard Marsh and the ever-present Sam Cooke. Thanks also to our sponsors – we spent the money wisely – and to everyone connected with the Club who helped along the way, including all those parents, family and friends who put their hands in their pockets to buy rafﬂe tickets and horses at the Race Night. Finally, shouts go out to the T-Rex, both the original and the new garbage men, Muller’s blue Adidas sleeveless t-shirt, Jacko’s double effort at a 30-man round, the beautiful Auxiliary and her brother ‘The Closer’, Sam and Job for recklessly allowing their room to be used for all pre-drinks receptions, Davy Rowan for failing to make it out on no less than FOUR occasions, and of course the security guard who, as soon as he realised we weren’t English, became our best friend. We have to do it again, see you in Vancouver!! Daniel “Barndog” Barnett 29

Executive Committee 2015/2016

01. Frank O’Riordan Chairman 02. Paddy Lucey President 03. Alan McLean Treasurer 04. Robert Dobbyn Secretary 05. David Boyd Vice President

06. Declan Carroll Changing Room Development 07. Declan Gardiner Chairman Rugby Committee 08. Brian O’Neill Rep. Mini/Youth Rugby

09. Carrieann Hanley Rep. Womens Rugby 10. Aidan Finn Chairman Mini Executive 11. Shay Taaffe House & Grounds

Photos courtesy of Rock Photography

12. Aidan Donnolly IT 13. John O’Leary Membership 14. Tony Amoroso Club Programme 15. Stuart Creavin Junior Rugby 16. Michelle Claffey Social Events

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Message from the Chairman of the Rugby Committee While a lack of trophies might suggest a disappointing 2014/15 Season for BCRFC, looks can be deceptive. The reality is that we achieved our primary goal – promotion to AIL Div. 1B, with a very credible record of W11 D2 L2. Emmet Farrell returned to the Club as Head Coach and worked tirelessly to ensure promotion and Jacko, Undy & Marko backboned the management of the team. Congratulations to Sean Coughlan for his Irish Club cap and nomination as Player of the Year. The season concluded in style with participation in the International Tens Tournament in Ibiza, where the Plate was won and tour rules prevent further comment! This season we face new challenges in a ten team home and away League consisting of St. Mary’s College, Dolphin, Dublin University, Ballymena, Belfast Harlequins, Shannon, Buccaneers, UL Bohemians, Old Wesley and Blackrock College. No easy games, but with the bulk of our young squad maturing under the leadership of Emmet and Trevor Hogan we look forward to some great battles with old adversaries. We are delighted that Steve Harbutt and Tram Davis remain at the helm of our 2nds for another Season and with our new ﬂoodlights Monday Night Rugby will come to Stradbrook for the ﬁrst time. Our U20s had a very credible season in a tough 1st Division and the advent of a new AIL type league this season means an even tougher road ahead, but we are ready for the challenge. With Trevor Hogan moving up the 1sts we are delighted that Steve Lamb has come in as forwards coach, and Disco and Conor form the background staff. We welcome all our new recruits to the Club and wish them well with their rugby careers over the coming years.

Behind every great rugby club lies a great Women’s team and last season we had a very successful AIL campaign, losing only 2 matches. Congratulations to Tania Rosser, Katie Norris, Katie Fitzhenry and Jeamie Deacon who were all selected for the 6 Nations. Huge credit to Carrie, Michelle, Liz, Keith, Ross and Josh on a great the season. A solid platform has been established which we look forward to developing this season. With the Women’s World Cup coming to Ireland in a few years the future looks bright. In the modern world of professionalism junior rugby continues to struggle to find its place, but at its heart rugby is still about camaraderie, friendship and fun and junior rugby forms the backbone of our Club. Our new gym and floodlights mean BCRFC face the coming season with top class facilities and tremendous optimism. As Chairman, I would like to thank everyone involved with Rugby for their time, effort and commitment. In a World Cup year we have much to look forward to and remember “success is not final, failure is not fatal – it is the courage to continue that counts”. Declan Gardiner, Chairman Rugby Committee

Theres a New Powerhouse at Stradbrook The opening of a State of the Art Body Conditioning Gym at Stradbrook,is literally the talk of the local Rugby Playing Community,with many local Clubs visiting and hoping to replicate at their own facilities. One of the main requirements of our Rugby Management Team was the urgent construction of a New Gym to accommodate todays very demanding strength building needs of Rugby Players. A Gym sub-committee was formed and headed by Dec Carroll, approached all members to raise support and funding for the Project. Due to the Generous Donations by many members construction of the Gym commenced in August and was completed in a record ten weeks.

The Executive decided that the Gym should be dedicated to one of our most successful Players and No.1 supporter Niall Brophy.The Brophy Family greatly supported the Project and happily were all there for the ofďŹ cial opening on the 14th December. The Gym is a special Body Conditioning and Strength Development Gym,designed by EFP

Gyms in Belfast.This has been complimented by the recruitment of our New Conditioning Coach,Dan Moore,who has had an immediate positive impact,judging by the feedback from the Squad, The Gym is the talking point of many young Players who are now attracted to Stradbrook. Our Gym has also received very positive recognition by the IRFU who have held training for the Ireland Emerging Squad here as well as the pre training for the Autumn International matchs for South Africa and Australia. It is planned that our Gym will feature heavily in next Years Womens World Cup.

Vincent Costello Dinner, 27th February 2015 Coach Blackrock College, SCT Cup Winning Teams 1986-1987-1989-1990-1995-1996

Let There Be Light The 2014/15 season brought many new Projects to our Grounds at Stradbrook. The most notable being the installation of Floodlighting on the Main Pitch. This Project commenced planning in 2010, and we are very grateful for the support and advice provided by our Consulatants, Cantrell and Crowley Archictects. The Executive were delighted to receive a Sports Council support grant in 2014 which allowed the Project to proceed. A Top-up contribution from the Mini Executive ensured the completion of the erection of the ďŹ&#x201A;oodlights and was a much appreciated gesture. Following a successful tendering process Seamus Byrne Electrical were awarded the contract for installation. The Lighting Project now provides greater ďŹ&#x201A;exibility for our match planners and also increases available game time on our main pitch.It also provides us with an excellent opportunity to accommodate other Sports Clubs to generate very welcome revenue in our off season. We thank all members of the Lighting Sub Committee,our Consultants and Contractor, for bringing this Project in on time and within budget.

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Message from the President of the Bridge Club Blackrock College Bridge Club Blackrock College Bridge Club is now in it’s 49th year. We play every Monday and Thursday in Stradbrook Rugby Club throughout the year. Our major bridge competitions are played from September to April. At present membership is full. The late Paddy Gateley was the main link between the Bridge and Rugby Clubs. Paddy, who was President of the Rugby Club in 1972/73 and who helped purchase “Somerset House” and the grounds in 1962 for IR£14.000, was one of the founders of the Bridge Club. Social Events Bridge Club holiday to Termoli Italy organised by Kate O’Shaughnessy with a party of 67 from 4 th September to 14th September. Golf outing to Foxrock Golf Club on Friday 2nd October with dinner for golfers and nongolfers.

Our Christmas Dinner in Stradbrook Rugby Club on Thursday 17th December ----- this is proving to be very successful. Two bridge interclub matches against Foxrock Church Club and Elm Park Golf Club Bridge will be keenly contested again this year. Our 3 day away bridge in March is under discussion-----time and venue to be arranged. This is always very popular. Our bridge club wishes you a very successful and enjoyable rugby year. Kay Falkner Sheridan, President Mobile: 087 6854032

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Proud to support Blackrock College RFC Best Wishes for the Season from Pat Gilroy, Colm Flanagan & the team at Veolia www.veolia.ie info@veolia.ie Contact: Colm Flanagan, Commercial Director Veolia Innovation House DCU Innovation Centre Old Finglas Road Dublin 11 Tel: +353. 1.870 1200 Fax: +353. 1.870 1201

Legendary Supporters in LegenDerry

It was 6 Days before Christmas, 2 Days before the Shortest Day – the Winter Solstice. It was in the depths of Winter when an intrepid band of Supporters, led by President Shay Tafffe, set out for the far North to Derry for the last AIL match before the mid-term break. The Invitation to visit Derry had arrived in August, almost as soon as the AIL Fixtures were announced, from Moss Dinneen, PRO of City of Derry RFC. As we discovered later Moss, a good Kerry man, travelled to Derry in the 1970’s to report on the Troubles, and stayed on to become President and a stalwart of the Rugby Club.

Amoroso, John and Fiona Coghlan, Jim Drew, John Mackey, Sean Redmond and Arthur Fitzpatrick, taxied to the former Erdington Army Barracks, now converted to Cultural uses. A walk through the complex brought us to the famous Derry Peace Bridge, which with wind and rain blowing up from the Foyle River, made for a bracing experience.

After the long trip from Dublin to Derry the Group assembled at the White Horse Hotel, on the outskirts of the City, for Lunch Frank O’Riordan, Chairman of the Executive Committee, joined the party from Belfast.

The highlight of the Tour followed when we were met by out Tour Guide and shown around the magniﬁcently restored Guildhall and a reception hosted by, Brenda Stevenson SDLP the Lady Mayor of Derry, niece of John Hume, and President of City of Derry RFC Susan Spence. From the Guildhall we moved on the Business Centre of Derry and joined a Club Members Christmas party for some generous Glasses of Wine.

After lunch a whirlwind Tour of Derry followed. The intrepid Supporters Group, who included President Shay Taaffe and his Wife Catherine, Vice-President Paddy Lucey, Tony and Mairead

Next stop was a Tour of parts of the Walls of Derry, the only circually walled City in Europe, taking in a History of the City from its early foundation as a trading centre. The sharp winds

around the ramparts prepared us for the next stop-off, a visit to 3 Donegal themed Pubs, located together on the same street. The History of the Pubs is that, around the time of the Famine, they provided overnight accommodation for Emigrants from all parts of Donegal, many on bare foot, before embarking by boat for Glasgow and Scotland. Our Tour Guide had to pull the Group away from the warm atmosphere of the Pubs to visit the nearby Bogside and Speakers Corner with its famous murals. By now it was time to eat and we retired to the City Centre Hotel, where a well earned meal and drinks were enjoyed by all. Finally back to our Hotel, a late drink and reﬂection on the History and wonderful Derry hospitality. Saturday morning and thoughts turned to the important match against City of Derry. The hospitality continued over the packed pre-match Lunch, after which more Rock Supporters, doing the round trip in one day, joined the main Group for the match. Included in the new arrivals were Parents and Relatives of Davy Rowan, Sam Cooke, Conor Kilcoyne, Dave Scott-Lennon, Jack O’ Carroll and Peter Quirke, along with Club Secretary Robert Dobbyn.

A dramatic AIL game followed. After a promising start and dominating the first half a converted try on half time brought City of Derry back into the match. However a good start to the second half saw Rock stretch into a 23-10 lead. This proved to be a false dawn as City of Derry come alive and storm back to gradually reduced their deficit to a nail biting finish. The last 20 minutes saw Rock having to defend for their lives as the opposition came at them in waves. Despite a Yellow Card the Team rolled up their sleeves, got stuck in and eventually, in the gathering dark came out on top 28-23, much to the relief of Coach Emmett Farrell. The half way point of the AIL campaign had been reached with Rock in Second place on 30 Points. When Promotion was finally achieved in the last game against UCC the Team could look back on the Derry Game as a significant turning point and a marker for the Season. Back in the Clubhouse for a final warming drink beside a roaring fire, a heartfelt thanks to the City of Derry Club for their hospitality and then back on the road for the long trip home. But the trip was made that much shorter by the Memories of Derry and a hard fought AIL win.

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Obituary Noel Turley President 2002 - 2003 Noel Turley had a wonderful career as a Sportsman, an Educationalist and an Administrator from his teenage years up to the time of his death. His career saw outstanding service to at least 6 Sporting and Academic Institutions – Blackrock College, St. Michaels College, Blackrock College Rugby Football Club, Blackrock College Past Pupils Union, the Leinster Branch of the IRFU and Templeogue College. Noel hailed from Vicarstown, Co.Laois and received his Secondary Education in Blackrock College, where he excelled, most notabely on the Sports ﬁeld, winning 3 Senior Schools Medals, the last as Captain. Before aspiring to the SCT Team Noel experienced “one of his earliest heartbreaks playing Rugby” when in 1952 the Blackrock JCT were beaten 5-3 by Clongowes in the Final. The following year, as a 4th year Student, he won the ﬁrst of 3 SCT medals, playing also for Leinster Schools, alongside future Lions Players Niall Brophy and Tony O’Reilly. The 1954 Team, Captained by Niall Brophy, saw a memorable Final victory 11-3 against Tony O’Reilly’s Belvedere. Noel was elected Captain of the 1955 SCT, but unfortunately an injury sustained in the Semi Final win over Clongowes, resulted in him missing out playing in the Final Victory 11-8 (after 2 periods of extra time) to Castleknock. Noel had the unique experience of receiving the Senior Cup from his proud Mother dressed in his suit. During his time at Blackrock College Noel also excelled at Athletics, winning Sprints, Long Jump and Shot Putt at the Annual Sports Day. Following his departure from Blackrock College Noel entered the Holy Ghost Novitiate studying for 4 years at Kilshane House and Kimmage Manor. After leaving the Holy Ghost Seminary Noel commenced his career with Blakrock College RFC. However, before this Noel Noel’s Sporting interests were concentrated on winning the Laois County GAA Football

title with his local Club Annanough. Previously as a 15 year old Noel had played on 3 occasions on the Laois Minor Team, alongside his brother Michael. Annanough reached the 1954 County Final but Noel was prevented from playing by the Laois County Board under the “Foreign Games Rule”. In 1960 Annanough reached the County Semi Final, which had to be replayed reportedly on the basis of Noel’s earlier suspension in 1954. Annanough finally triumphed after a 3rd replay, with Noel outstanding scoring 2 goals and 2 points, only for his Team to lose the Final. Thereafter Noel devoted his Sporting talents to Rugby and an illustrious career that included playing for Ireland, 2 Final Trials and a Leinster Senior Cup medal (alongside Eric Pembrey and Don Roe Kissane in the back row).Further honours included playing Interprovincial Rugby for both Leinster and Connacht. Noel played for Ireland as part of a 9 new cap Irish side that was heavily beaten 16-0 at Twickenham. Included amongst the new caps was a 17year Scrum half Johnny Quirke and future Lions legend Willie John McBride. A former pupil of St. Michaels described Noel cycling into his Teaching job on the Monday after Twickenham to the cheers of his Pupils. Dropped by the Irish Selectors, along with fellow back row Noel Murphy, and subsequent injuries, hindered Noel’s efforts to regain his Ireland Team place. Noel was elected Captain of the Club in 1965/66, shortly after the move to Stradbrook from the College grounds at Williamstown. He played up to the 1969/70 Season before turning his attention to Training and Administration. In 1966 the inaugural Blackrock Rugby Festival took place at Stradbrook with Clubs from all parts of the Country participating in a free flowing competition. For the first 4 years of 45

Obituary Noel Turley President 2002 - 2003 the annual September competition , which was acknowledged as the start of the Rugby Season and attracted large crowds to Stradbrook, Noel acted as Chairman of the Organising Committee. The Rugby Festival ran for a period of 20 years, with a highlight in 1982, the Centenary of the Club, when 46 Senior Irish Clubs participated in the Festival played in the grounds of Blackrock College. A Graduate of UCD Noel began his life as a Secondary School Teacher in St Michaels College in 1960. In January 1965, following the sudden death of Mr. Cyril Irwin, Noel was summoned from St. Michaels to Blackrock College to take over the Commerce Department. He returned to St. Michaels in 1978 and as well as Teaching became Head of 6th Year and Games Master. He Coached the JCT Team from 1970 to 1975 (whilst still Teaching in Blackrock College). In his first year as Coach St. Michaels were in Section A of the Cup, but within 2 years had got them to a Semi Final. He then moved up to the SCT Coaching them for 13 years and bringing them at 2 Finals and a Semi Final. During his years in St. Michaels Noel was a Teacher, Advisor, Coach, Mentor and Friend to generations of boys, always fulfilling his duties with flair and commitment, a compliment that would also apply to his time in Blackrock College. He retired from St. Michaels in 2001 and by that time had reached legendary status in their corridors.

When he ﬁnished Coaching in St. Michaels Noel became involved with the Schools Section of the IRFU and the Leinster Branch, becoming an Irish Schools Selector in 1977. From 1980 to 1984 he Coached the Irish Schools Team and in 1989 he was appointed as Manager of the Schools Team for an extended Tour to Australia. Noel was involved in many works of Charity, one of which was support for the Benevolent Fund of the Blackrock College Past Pupils Union. In 1990/1991 Noel was elected as President of the PPU and during his Presidency oversaw the the restructuring of the Benevolent Fund into the current Blue and White Support Group. Noel also gave of his time and experience to another Spiritan College, Templeogue College, where he sat on the Management Board for 20 years. Noel was married to the late Kathleen Doyle and they had 3 children: Peter, Kevin and Jean. He remarried Catherine O’ Leary, Daughter of the late Dave O’ Leary, President of the Leinster Branch and club stalwart over many years. Over the years Noel was a frequent visitor to Stradbrook, for Rugby and Social events, and travelled to many away matches and his loyalty to the Club never wavered. He will be sadly missed by all that knew him. Fr. P. McGlynn CSSp and Brian O’Connell.

Obituary Brigadier General Patrick A. Cranfield President 1989 - 1990 When brother Pat left Blackrock College in 1958, I was still in short pants and therefore have not much recollection of him at home. From school, Pat immediately joined the Defence Forces( having swotted the Summer months becoming fluent in his native language in order to pass entrance tests!) and he went on to have a spectacular career spanning 42 years reaching the very pinnacle of the Aer Corps. During his school days, where the academic side was never an issue, Pat was a very successful sportsman reaching both JCT and SCT status in the College. While beaten in the JCT final by Terenure, where his latter day great friend Mick Hipwell was an opponent, and then first round SCT defeat by Newbridge, where one Mick Doyle was a very able opponent, were obvious disappointments, it was in the athletics arena that Pat really excelled, both track and field. Victor Ludorum winner at annual sports day, and very many Leinster Schools and All Ireland Schools medals are a testiment to his successes. The post schooldays rugby career continued with “active service” playing time for the Aer Corps and Defence Force teams. Pat had to wait until 1971 to win his one and only Leinster medal with the Club’s victory in the Tom Fox cup. Pat’s contribution to the Club was immense. Following his playing career. contributions were gladly given in the areas of Rugby, Administration, and Festival Committees. Then the arduous task of Club Honorary Secretary for many years, leading to his year of Presidency in 1989/90. During this year, following very many months of meticulous planning, Pat was both honoured and pleased to be President when the foundation stone to the new clubhouse was laid. Following his appointment as Leinster Branch Representative in mid nineties, Pat was honoured with the Branch Presidency in season 2000/01, a position he held with distinction. He was also made an Honorary Life member of the Club, for which he was very proud. Career wise, Pat rose through the ranks, as they would say in the military, “in an orderly fashion”!

Having attained the rank of Colonel, the top position of Brigadier General became vacant and he was appointed. A position he retained for some twelve years. Such an appointment was a considerable honour not only for himself, but for his immediate and wider family. With this position, Pat continued life in his always friendly, respectful, thoughtful, and efficient manner. He managed great change within the Aer Corps, particularily within the fleet, training, and communications areas. He had a wonderful family life with his wife Dara and five great children. The extended family has now grown to include five spouses/partners and sixteen grandchildren, all of whom were a great credit to him at his funeral Mass in Blackrock Church. Those in attendance that day can hardly forget the chilling effect when four Aer Corps jets performed a flight pass. It is a memory to cherish and was a true positive reflection to one who had committed himself to 42 years of public service. Two final snippets, Pat was also ( for a brief period) a film star. Yes, he was one of the fighter pilots in the film The Blue Max, which was filmed here c. 1970. He can be clearly seen in many of the aerial combat scenes/shots. Six months leave of absence from the Aer Corps facilitated this movie appearance. Also, Pat was a terrific piano player, and was the “star attraction” at many parties down the years. Sadly illness struck hard and at such a young age. Palliative care in Clonskea Hospice for his last four living years was supported in a wonderful manner by Dara, whose love and affection for Pat was wonderfully demonstrated. So he is gone, but never forgotten. Big brother he was, but a person always there for you with his tremendous ability to listen, and quietly respond with his advise and experience. John Cranfield. 47

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Obituary Dan Mc Carthy, President 1974 - 1975 Dan was elected President of Blackrock College RFC for the year 1974-1975. It was also the Centenary Year of the IRFU when the President was Harry McKibben. During Dan’s term in Ofﬁce our Club won eight Trophys out of a possible 14. This was a Leinster Branch record at the time, which probably still stands to this day. Dan was a very successful Chairman of the Bar Committee. His achievements included Chairman of the Annual Festival which was sponsored by Arthur Guinness with the generous support of the late Bobby Howick. The Monday evening Press Reception in the Brewery usually ended up in Lynches Pub with a sing song. Prior to joining our Club Dan had played rugby with Dolphin and also played water polo with Sandycove Swimming Club.

At the end of Season Dinner we were honoured by the attendance of An Taoiseach, Mr. Liam Cosgrave. Rosa Kelly overlooked turning on the oven, the meal started some hours late and a great time was had by all under the masterful guidance of our President, Dan McCarthy, a tower of strength, Big Dan saved the Day and the Night. In the course of his Annual Report the Honorary Secretary stated that the amount of hard work and dedication that Dan put into the ofﬁce of Presidency and the esteem with which he was held by Club Members, Players and Non-Players alike, reﬂected his popularity. May he Rest in Peace. Audie Kirwan.

Obituary Gerry Butler Gerry Butler was a life long supporter of Blackrock College RFC, even though much of his working was spent abroad in South and North America. A member of the Class of 1947 Gerry attended both Willow Park and Blackrock College as a Day Student.. His brief Rugby career with the Club saw him play at full back on some of the Junior Teams. Having gone into the ﬂour-milling business Gerry spent 8 years in Rio de Janeiro, Santos and Sao Paolo in Brazil and then later in Alameda County in California, where he continued in the ﬂour-milling Industry before becoming a longshoreman. Having always been a keen trade unionist Gerry continued with his Education, gaining several primary Degrees and a Masters in work psychology and labour laws. Upon his return to Ireland Gerry devoted a lot of his time to affairs in the Rugby Club. A

regular attender at Rugby matches, both in Stradbrook and at away games, he took a great interest in developments in the Club and was a regular at Club AGM’s with some perceptive questions and observations from the ﬂoor. He was vey supportive of the Blackrock College ethos and attended Past Pupils Reunions and AGM,s.He also had a great interest in a LatinAmerican Solidarity group and was a member of the Blackrock Local History Society. Gerry attended the opening of the Club’s new Gym in December 2014 and travelled on the Supporters Coach in April to Cork for the UCC match and where he witnessed the Club’s promotion to Division 1B of the All Ireland League. 49

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Obituary Kathy Rowan 1953 - 2014 Ever since her son David (Club Captain 20132014 & 2014-2015) joined Blackrock College RFC after leaving school at St. Michael’s College, Kathy became a dedicated supporter of the club. As well as attending home matches, she travelled North and South to practically every game. Her loyalty and support was recognised on receiving an honour scarf for the 2007/2008 season as Supporter of the Year. As well as being a wonderful wife and mother, she was a competent and active sportswoman in her own right; playing 1st Team hockey for many years with Railway Union Hockey Club, tennis in Claremont and later in Riverview and won many trophies by playing golf to a high standard, the highlight being her winning the Captain’s Prize. In addition, as a younger woman, she fronted a Dublin rock band called ‘Time Machine’ as the lead singer playing the Dublin circuit and beyond, appreared on television many times and even reached the Top 20 with a hit single. Kathy loved family get-togethers and liked nothing better than to put great food on the table which was appreciated by all. These occassions always concluded with some singing and occasionally a bit of dancing. Kris Kristofferson would have been proud of Kathy’s rendition of ‘Me and Bobby McGee’.

Having come to the game of rugby late, she quickly mastered the intricate rules and because of her strong voice she could be regularly heard shouting ‘ah ref’ at every infringment, whether justified or not. Kathy contributed to life in countless ways and had an awful lot more to give, but like many good people she was taken away from us far too early. During the years of her illness she never lost her good humour and complaints did not feature in her vocabulary. She is sadly missed by us all, but especially her husband Brian and her children Lisa, Barry and David. We thank the officers in Blackrock for giving us the opportunity to recount a small part of Kathy’s life, knowing how much she enjoyed the ‘Rock experience. She would be the first to wish all of the ‘Rock teams the very best for the forthcoming season. Brian and David Rowan.

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Message from David Coen, President of the Blackrock College Union On behalf of the Blackrock College Union I would ﬁrst of all like to congratulate Blackrock College RFC First XV on last years promotion from Division 2A to 1B and wish Club President Paddy Lucey and all members of Blackrock College RFC every continued success for the 2015-16 season.Winning 11 matches out of 15 in last years league campaign was a huge achievement and Emmet Farrell and his squad can hopefully continue this momentum into the upcoming season. Alot of positive changes have been seen in the club none more so than the new Gym/Weights room and this will be another catalyst in growing the club.The triangular bond of Blackrock school,union and rugby club is very important and we all must ensure this continues to grow. We need to see more immediate past pupils joining the club and enjoying their rugby in the club both on and off the pitch.The link between the Union and the rugby club is stronger than ever with many Past Presidents of the Union involved with the Rugby Club Executive Committee and we look forward to watching a number of league matches this season.

The growth of Ladies Rugby in Ireland has been huge and its great to see Blackrock College RFC have a ﬁne team and I wish them every success for the coming season.The backbone of any rugby club is its Mini Rugby section and again Blackrock RFC have excelled here and continued growth to this vital side of the rugby club. The Club game in Ireland has gone through huge changes in the last decade and with the many initiatives Blackrock College RFC have done and are doing they will be well placed for future growth.Can I wish Paddy Lucey and all players,members,guests and visitors every best wish for 2015-16 and hopefully a return to Division 1A.

Getting sponsorship for any rugby club is difﬁcult currently and it is very encouraging to see Sherry Fitzgerald as Blackrock RFC sponsors and this relationship hopefully will continue to be beneﬁcial to both.

Greg Mc Williams, Head Coach Blackrock College RFC U20s 2004-2008 As a student of St Michael’s College, I grew up disliking Blackrock College, why? I don’t really know. I suppose in sport, It doesn’t help when you lose to a rival more often then not. It gets tiring and frustrating. It was a dislike that was built on a lack of reality, and unrealistic reasoning. I think I was jealous, and had admiration underneath the ignorance. I wanted St Michaels College to win so badly. I wasn’t a top level player, by any means, in fact, I was average. I always felt my mind was efficient, like a professional, but my body was too slow, like a Sunday League amateur. [Very] I was lucky to be a Leinster Under 20’s squad member, an AIL player back in the late 90s early 00’s, and an Irish Colleges representative, my passion however, from a young age was in coaching, I was addicted. I loved dealing with people, and enjoyed the intelligence of rugby, and trying to use that intelligence in a way that allowed players to develop and grow in their understanding and performances, and of course, enjoy the great sport for what it is. However, like all coaches, I needed to win, I was ambitious, I still am, and always will be. The day I lose that ambition, is the day I will become a supporter….I will be fine with that. In March 2004, while coaching and teaching at St Michael’s College, or as Fr Gough would regularly tell me, the small school down the road, the job was advertised for the Blackrock U20’s Head Coaching position. A conversation the next day, with my true mentor and dear friend, the late Noel Turley, changed my mindset completely, and it was the best coaching decision of my life. We agreed, that if I really wanted to be a great educator at St Michael’s College, and make a difference, I needed to assist in bridging a gap between the two schools, and change the mindset of both sets of students, there is a bigger picture. To be the SCT coach, and coach at Blackrock College RFC, you having a laugh? Blackrock was perceived as the enemy. David Dillon, a great friend, was coaching and playing for the first XV at Stradbrook and coaching at St Michaels college, he had an influence too.

After meeting Larry Maken, and my auld chum Mick Hearty in the Leop Inn for my job interview, I was instantly sold, but I had two other candidates to beat. Five days later, after the long wait, I got the good news, and got to work on recruiting for the following season straight away. I was so lucky to work with Mick, Shane McClafferty, Tom O’ Donahoe, Decci Smith, the man Denners, and many more. The ﬁrst season was a learning experience, captained ironically by a St Michael’s man, Peter Foley, a gentlemen. I took a lot of my experience back to the school with me. These boys were hungry, and worked hard, mentally tough young men. They were very goal orientated and focused, I liked that. We had some cracking wins that year. The stand out being a McCorry cup win v a strong Trinity side in Stradbrook, with Daniel Barnett (Barney) contributing massively in his best performance all season. We had some strong nights too, led by the legend that is Decci Smyth, Our Chairman Freddie Connolly, Enda (The Agent) Norton, Freddie Corr, Jim (the Butt) Butler, and our other Bagman Mark Fallon et al, what great club men. They made me and my wife Sarah feel so welcome, you all did. Instantly, we felt an emotional attachment. I was hooked. Sarah still calls the players “her boys”, (while ‘Scotty so Hotty) is her favorite. In the summer of the 2005-06 season, we managed to sign six St Michael’s College men to the club, all SCT players, Royce Burke Flynn, Peter Burke, Donal McGowan, Ben Greer, Erik Sherlock, and Blackrock College RFC club captain, Davy Rowan. Add to that great men from CBC Monstown, CUS, St Gerard’s players, and of course a load from the big school up the road. 55

Fanagan League and McCorry Cup double, and had some cracking nights in Stradbrook. I can picture the sessions with Noelie & Sandra behind the bar like it was yesterday, super memories, all friends for life.

We had an encouraging mix. They bought into the vision, and were inspired, like me. We were blown away by the culture at the club. We were successful that season, I do however have one lasting memory. The SCT Final in 2006, was between St Michael’s College and Blackrock College, and at the time, I was Director Of Rugby at the school, and was getting the usual slagging from the fellas, which at that stage was the norm, although I always felt Barney meant it in a serious way. The final was on a Friday and for the Thursday evening’s training session, the night before said match, as training started, I noticed not one of the St Michael’s fellas were present, 5, 10, 15 minutes past. I was worried, and getting disappointed, thinking they were out with the rest of the past pupils (swords) “on the sesh” pre final. As I looked up from the bottom pitches at Stradbrook up towards the hill, in the dark, I made out the figures of six fellas running down the hill, all togged out from top to toe in their St Michael’s College cup gear, lead by Davy, with ball in hand, coming down, getting booed, and forming a huddle, with Davy talking the usual sh*t, hilarious. They had purposely waited to make an entrance. It was a heartfelt moment for the squad, and showed just how far we came as a group. The slagging was both ways, but always with the best of intentions. We had formed a strong bond and were very much Blackrock College RFC men. Almost the entire 2006 cup winning Blackrock College schools side came to the club the following season. Very Impressive men, winners. Seeing them train and prepare for their week helped me as a coach. It would be wrong of me to single out individuals. Talk about setting high standards. Led by David (Doc) O’Connor and also assisted by Paul Ryan, we won the JP 56

At the Rock lunch at the end of that year, David O Connor (Doc) and David O Brien (Kipper) forced me up to sing ‘rock boys are we’…… there is a line men, all in good jest. I was happy to listen to it after wins, as the boys sang it full on with the dressing room door open most times!! That year was cracking. Being coach of the St Michaels SCT, winning the cup for the ﬁrst time was special, and I will never forget the support I received form the club. I will always remember that. From supporters, to the Senior 1st XV, Junior players, the Women, right down to the U20’s they showed support (Gave me plenty of slagging too don’t worry). I’m sure I will never experience it as a coach again. St Patricks Day fell on a Sunday, and Blackrock College RFC had the JP Fanagan League Final the next day, bank holiday Monday, v Trinity. Tony Smeeth, the true gentleman, and sportsman that he is, agreed to move the game from the Sunday to the Monday. The morning after the SCT win, having breakfast with my family, before heading to Stradbrook for the ﬁnal ,(sober, as I was planning a biggie after the match), a young kid, maybe 10, came up to me and asked “Sir, are you the St Michaels coach” I proudly said “Yes young man” all the kid did was look at me, laugh, and sing ‘64, 64, 64’, followed by shouting “64-1, haha, that is ridiculous, basically, you are crap” You can only laugh, ah well, back to reality with a thud. That day, after the JP Fanagan League win, I rang the principal of the St Michaels College, Mr. Tim Kelleher, and explained that I was going to be late in on

Tuesday, “Tim, I might be late in tomorrow, so late in fact, I might get to see you Friday”. I got the family down to the club, along with Mark McDermott (Macker). All I remember was sitting on a curb with Decci Smith and my missus, while the birds were singing (the feathered type). I made it into school that day, slow day, slow day. Things have changed since then of course. The following season started with a Pre Season tour to Portugal, the boys trained so hard that week, we received great injection from the school that year, great squad men. Gavin Green was front and centre. Now, that fella enjoys life, king of the fun. We had a no drinking rule on that tour, bar one night mid week, and we all got stuck into it, as a management team, we were delighted with their attitude to take the week as professionally as we did, I truly believe it was the reason we won the double again that year. The mid week sesh in Portugal was designed as a fancy dress night, we had to bring costumes with us. Decci, arrived that evening, dressed as Scooby Doo, I’m only recovering now 7 years later from the laughing cramps. This was where I met AJ McGinty & Ian Madigan for the ﬁrst time. I knew them of course from my teams playing against them, class footballers. I was excited to coach them both, along with some other talented players, Daragh Fitzpatrick, Barry Kelly, James Ronan and Jan Simon Byrne along with our great Captain Zach Farivarz to name but a few. Ian stood out as the hardest working player I have ever coached. Each day, I was at Stradbrook with him, either kicking or passing. He was so focused on success, and we all know where he now sits, best of luck to him, a fantastic role model for young players, I learned many a valuable lesson from him.

At the moment, I am living in America, and coaching Yale University and the USA Collegiate All Americans. I was lucky enough to be with the Eagles this summer in preparation for the World Cup. I got to spend a small bit of time with AJ. Big and strong, with an exceptional mind for the game, a very different physique to that of an U20, but a similar mind, a cut off Alan Senior. He is making big noise over here, and is incredibly popular with the players and the rugby public, a real crowd hero. To think (at the time of writing),

Zach Farivarz Double Cup winner captain.

from that team alone, we have two 10’s playing at the World Cup for two separate countries, gas stuff. Decci will take credit for shifting AJ from 9 to 10. I’m gonna give him that one for the sake of the article, although I have a different scenario in my head, as will Mike, and Shane, we all probably claim the shift, but Decci was the ring leader, and he provided so much experience to the coaching team, and for me personally. However, Decci and AJ were on a level above. The two of them were as thick as thieves, they were never too far away from each other. Of course Decci would very much be keeping AJ’s feet ﬁrmly on the ground with post games rants, wrestles and jagers. To see AJ now, is impressive. He has developed into a world class player. I am so grateful for my time at Stradbrook, and have made friends for life. My experience at Blackrock College RFC helped me develop greatly both on and off the pitch. The very best of luck with your season in the AIL. I’m sure you will be back in the top ﬂight in no time, where you rightly belong. Regards for now, Greg McWilliams, Head Coach Blackrock College RFC U20s, 2004-2008 57

Message from the Director of Rugby Firstly I’d like to Welcome all visiting teams to Stradbrook and I hope you enjoy our new and improved facilities and may the best team win! We’ve come a long way in a year and I’d like to acknowledge all the efforts of those behind the scenes for achieving many of our short term goals including the gym, improved pitches, first overseas tour for many years, integration of all the sections & floodlights. In terms of the on field goals now that the club game has turned fully amateur, we felt that we had to create an atmosphere at all levels where players would want to join us for the following reasons: A) To become better players through excellent coaching, quality structures & excellent facilities. We still want to produce players for the professional game!! B) To enjoy their rugby at any level – including touring C) Feel part of a healthy & social club atmosphere/network D) Even if you are finished playing, get involved in refereeing/coaching/managing or admin! This has been achieved through much hard work and dedication & on behalf of the club and all its members I would like to thank every single coach, manager, captain & administrator for everything they have done to create the thriving atmosphere we now have. There has been a massive increase in playing numbers and this is all due to the healthy structures & quality sessions that you have created. We are however still on the lookout for extra people who can help spread the workload & I would encourage anyone who wants to get involved to get in touch and let me know what you can do to help, whether its just turning up with the kids to support or if you want 58

to manage a team or sponsor something or fundraise, we are all ears!!! Thanks to all the refs that visit, without you there would be no game & we are forever in your debt! Congratulations to all our provincial & International players who represent our club so well – we are very proud of you & it’s a real boost to see you back down at Stradbrook where you learnt your rugby!! I’d also like to welcome & thank all the new coaches, managers, players & referees that have joined our growing crew & I hope you really enjoy the year. In particular it was great to see such an inﬂux of quality players from Blackrock College!!! Finally to the players – we are just here to help, support & facilitate you guys in keeping the club at the forefront of Club rugby at all levels – and it makes it all worthwhile when we see you playing your heart out for the jersey - have a great year! Dr Michael Jackson Ba Hons; QFA; H2O; SIDA Director Of Rugby

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Football Comes to Stradbrook 6th March 2015 Cabinteely F.C. - 1

Wexford Youths - 0

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Player Awards Season 2014 / 2015 1st Team Player of the Year 2014/15 Sean Coughlan

2nd Team Player of the Year 2014/15 Jack Kelly

3rd Team Player of the Year 2014/15 Carl Marren

4th Team Player of the Year 2014/15 Rory Doyle

U20’s Player of the Year 2014/15 Gary Fenn

Rossa Kelly Young Player of the Year 2014/15 Hugo Godson

Player of the Year 2014/15 Hugh O’Connell

Womens 1st Team Player of the Year 2014/15 Nimi McCarthy

Womens 2nd Team Player of the Year 2014/15 Claire Owens

Alickadoo of the Year 2014/15 Patrick Burke

Manager of the Year 2014/15 Martin Lynch 66

Cabinteely F.C. - A Brief History By Joe Dodd This is an historic evening in the story of both Cabinteely F.C. and the borough of Dun Laoghaire as, for the first time, there is a club from the area in the Airtricity League. Such an achievement has been the ambition of borough clubs for over eighty years as they sought to emulate the great Edenville team of the 1920’s that played in the Leinster Senior League which was then the second tier of football in Ireland. Others to taste senior football in those days were Ballybrack’s Rover United and Blackrock’s Rockville. In the 1950’s Workman’s Club F.C. came close to gaining senior status for Dun Laoghaire when reaching the FAI Cup semifinal. More recently, TEK United and Dalkey United also came close to graduating to higher leagues. So, many congratulations are due to Cabinteely’s F.C.’s hardworking committee bringing the League of Ireland football to the borough that has been so steeped in the history of the game for one hundred years. For a flavour of Cabo’s history we have to go back to the late 1920’s when there were teams in the Foxrock/Cabinteely area like St. Brigid’s Cabinteely and Cabinteely commonly known as ‘the Blues from Cabinteely’ playing in the lower divisions of the Alliance League. In 1926/27, the Blues won the Fifth Division. The Blue’s Honorary Secretary then was P. Coyle of Kill O’The Grange. However, there were no schoolboy leagues at that time; the only football for boys from twelve years of age upwards was the Altar Boys League or the lower Alliance leagues, such as the aforementioned Fifth Division. Even then boys were playing against older men!. So the powers that be in the Leinster FA decided to form what should be known as ‘The Schoolboy’s League’.

To participate in this new league, a club was formed in Cabinteely, which was then a small village in a rural area of South County Dublin, on the main road from Dublin to Bray and Wicklow and surrounded by fields!. The club joined the U-15 division and honours were soon coming their way. The new club was successful in attracting boys from all around the borough. These ranged from the sons of local families such as the Devlins, Kellys, Mulvaneys, Mooneys, and Cullens, to a group of boys who played scratch matches in a field in Dalkey and noted Deansgrange players such as Harry Hill, Hugo Flynn and Peter Farrell. By 1936/37, the Blues were emerging as a force and the club changed it name to Cabinteely Boys. It finished runners up to Johnville in the 1938/39 league, having lost to just three games on 34 points. It then reached the 1939 final of the Schoolboys League Cup which was played in Newtownpark in Blackrock (less that a mile from where this evening’s match is being played). A 3-3 draw with Johnville with goals from Farrell, Dunne and Flynn saw the match go to replay in Glastule’s Congress Park. Cabinteely won the game 4-0, with the same players scoring (Dunne getting two). Hugo Flynn, about whom the press wrote “Hugo Flynn was the star of both matches between Cabinteely and Johnville in the final of the Schoolboys League Cup. If that youngster had twice the fight and half the cheek and impudence that he showed to the Johnville he would still have been too cheeky”. And what about this - the gate receipts were £150.0.0 in Newtownpark and £180.0.0 in Congress Park. As general admission prices were about 6d (about 3c today), it indicates crowds of 5,000 to 6,000 for youth games! 67

Cabinteely F.C. - A Brief History By Joe Dodd History repeated itself the following season when Cabinteely played another famous club, Munster Victoria, in the ﬁnal of the U-16 Juvenile Cup, which again provided a 3-3 scrolling. The replay in Glasthule resulted in a 6-0 win for Cabinteely with goals from Farrell (2) Devline (2), O’Reilly and Flynn. By season 1943/44, Peter Farrell had moved on and was now (at age of 19) starring for Shamrock Rovers. In summer of 1946 he signed for Everton and make his debut against Stoke City team that included Stanley Matthews. He went on to captain Everton and Ireland in time and earned 35 international caps during his distinguished career. He will also be remembered for scoring the second goal when in 1949, Ireland became the ﬁrst country to beat England at home. Now, fast forward to the post-emergency 1950’s when the Wicklow League was at the forefront of junior football in South County Dublin and Wicklow. Many local clubs such a Watson’s Nurseries, Le Martinare, Grange United, St. Brigids, Brighton Rangers, Blackrock Rangers, Black Cat Wanderers, Rock Unknowns, Parkville, Dalkey Celtic and United, and Cabinteely United all played in the Wicklow League but, as before, it had no schoolboy divisions. In the 1960’a many of these clubs migrated to the Leinster Junior Alliance and, in time, the Athletic Union League (AUL). Under age players again only had the Altar Boys League, in which games were few and far between. Schoolboy football in the South County was not revitalised until the Dublin School Boy’s Leagues became more structured and run on a more consistent basis. In 1969 the current Cabo Club was formed with only one team, as Auburn FC, for boys around the Cabinteely area by a Mr. White. Little did those early enthusiasts know what they has initiated!. 68

Then, in 1970, there was an innovation in borough football when a group of men decided to form a league to cater for boys from the age of seven years upwards. This new league was called ‘The South County League’ and the men who started it included Pearse Darmody, Jimmy Delaney, Mick Dodd, Tony Sullivan and Paddy Costello. Many new teams joined in and played in the new league. Among them was Cabinteely Boys FC, which in 1973 had been renamed from the former Auburn FC. At this time, it had only six teams - all boys. In the 1990’s with its excellent girls and ladies teams, the club was changed to Cabinteely FC, to reﬂect its broader appeal. The club now caters for all ages, genders and abilities from the age of four up and included active ‘Special Needs’ and ‘Football for All’ sections. The club has expanded by leaps and bounds since those early days into the club that is there today and all the people from whatever era who by their hard work and encouragement have participated in the growth of the club can be proud of what has been achieved.

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