Malone vs Cashel 30 March 2024

Encasing architecture

We are extremely proud to be supporting Malone RFC, who have played such a significant role in the rugby community both locally and nationally for over a century.

At this time, Walsin and Malone make a great team as both are aiming high; Malone on their rugby journey and Walsin experiencing unprecedented growth to become one of the largest facade companies in Ireland.

I have always had an interest in the sport, having played for my local club for many years and was delighted to be asked to get involved with Malone. Staff members regularly attend home and away games and there is a real buzz in the company around the club’s recent successes.

So far we have been delighted to play a small part in the club’s ongoing refurbishment programme and will continue to support Malone RFC as it goes forward.

Ian Sinclair, Managing Director, Walsin Ltd.

Proud Sponsors of

Gibson Park, Gibson Park Avenue, Cregagh Road, Belfast. BT6 9GL

Tel: 028 9045 7819

email: malonerfc@gmail.com

web:www.malone-rfc.com

Executive Committee:

Stuart Duncan

Gary Brown

David Heron

Ken Campbell

Jonathan McAllister

Raymond Thomas

Richard Bartley

Secretary:

Raymond Thomas

Rugby Committee:

Chair: David Heron

Clubhouse and facilities:

Stuart Duncan

Grounds:

Jonathan McAlister

Programme and Social Media:

Ken Campbell

Advertising and sponsorship:

Jonathan McAllister

Malone RFC proudly supports:

President: Ken Campbell

Senior Vice President: Gareth Murphy

Chairman: Stuart Duncan

President’s Message

A warm welcome to everyone to Malone today as we host Cashel in our final (scheduled) All Ireland League game of the season.

Im delighted that Cashel president Pat O’Donoghue and his team are here today. They were excellent hosts when we were down in Cashel (in what seems like a lifetime ago) in October.

There’s been a lot of water under the bridge since then but with two games to go both teams’ seasons are very much still alive, albeit at different ends of the table. Cashel fighting for a home promotion playoff place and Malone battling hard to stay in Divison 2A.

We will, however, be visiting Ravehill a lot in April with our Under-16 girls in the final of their cup and our Women’s team in the final of the Junior Cup. Full details of times etc will be posted on our Facebook and Instagram sites.

Our mixed ability side the Tornadoes have been invited to represent Ireland in the 2025 World Cup in Pamplona, Spain. That’s a fantastic honour and I’m delighted for all involved. Let’s get behind our terrific Tornadoes and give them all the support they need to get to Spain next year as they represent Malone and Ireland.

It’s only when you think about who to thank at the end of the season you realise how many people are involved in this massive family at Malone. I’d like to thank

everyone individually but that would take up all of this programme, so...to all the past presidents, executive committee, sub committees, coaches and players for all the endless hours of work put in, to the caterers, supporters, entertainers who made AIL match days so special, to our womens section for brightening up Sundays. To the mini and youth sections for a glimpse in to the future and the noise and laughter on Saturday mornings. To all our sponsors, for keeping us afloat and helping us to provide rugby in this part of Belfast. To frends and family who afford us the space and time to indulge in our club, who wash kits, clean boots and drive around the country - in fact anyone who has come through the gates and been part of our season, thank you all.

Malone is a diverse mash-up of so many people from all over, and like every family it laughs, cries, supports, argues, falls-out and then gets back together again - I love it, I don’t think there’s another club like it anywhere and I am so proud to have had the opportunity to be president of this great club - lets keep working to keep Malone the best club in Ireland.

So, thank you all for your help and support throughout the season and let’s get behind Josh, Daryl and the team as they fight to get those vital points this afternoon.

Enjoy the day,

Ken

sponsored by:

WOMEN THROUGH TO CUP FINAL

Malone Women won their Junior Cup semi-final against Queens by the tightest of margins.

In an end to end game, Queens looked like they had booked their place in the final when they took the lead with only two minutes remaining.

However, Malone stormed up the field and after a concerted assault on the Queen's line Ashleigh Currie crashed over to level the scores and - in a re-run of last year's final - the nerveless Grainne Murphy stepped up to convert and send Malone through to another Ravenhill final.

Our visitors today CASHEL R.F.C.

Malone welcome Cashel to Gibson Park today with both teams needing the win for very different reasons. Cashel sit in third two points behind Barnhall in second with the coveted home advantage in the promotion play-off games up for grabs. Malone, rooted to the bottom for all but one week of the season have given themselves another lifeline. Last week’s win in Limerick has given them a chance - two wins and with other wins going their way, they could sneak into eighth position or grab a relegation play off place. Anything else and they will be relegated. It looks like being another nail-biter at Gibson Park.

The Tipperary town of Cashel is home to one of Munster’s leading rugby clubs Cashel RFC.

At the turn of the century the club finished bottom of Division Three of the Munster Junior League. Since then they have enjoyed an incredibly successful period that has seen them rise four divisions to join the third highest tier in Irish club rugby.

This progression led to Cashel first being awarded the Munster Junior Club of the Year in 2009 before they were crowned Senior Club of the Year in 2012.

The town has a rich rugby-playing tradition and the family-oriented Cashel RFC was founded in 1919. The club boasts top class playing facilities in Spafield with three full-size pitches, two training areas and six dressing rooms. A new clubhouse was opened in 2009.

For a town of less than 5,000 people, Cashel has produced an extraordinary amount of professional rugby players - Denis Fogarty, Denis Leamy, John Fogarty and Brendan O’Connor all hail from the town and began their playing careers at the club.

In 2001/02 they finished bottom of Division Three of the Munster Junior League and were very nearly relegated to minor rugby - there was a huge effort put in to improve the first target was to get out of Division Three and in 2002/3 they did that .

The following they were runners-up in Division Two and were promoted. Cashel won Division One in 2008 and 2009 but both times we failed to gain promotion and in 2010/11 that goal was achieved and they were promoted to the AllIreland League.

Cashel made their way to Division 2A of the All ireland league and they have remained ithere since.

This success has seen the playing numbers grow hugely at the club.

The club also have a thriving ladies section which includes a senior team , an U-18 side competing in Munster competitions and a tag team for the younger girls.

The club is also boosted by the proximity of Rockwell College to Cashel, one of the province’s leading rugby schools.

Cashel RFC

MALONE RFC CODE OF CONDUCT

Code for Players - General

•Play for enjoyment and become part of the rugby family.

•Respect the "Game of Rugby" and play within the laws of the Game.

•Accept the referee's decision and let your captain ask any relevant questions.

•Play with control. Do not lose your temper.

•Always do your best and be committed to the game, your team and your club.

•Be a "good sport". Applaud all good play whether by your team or the opposition.

•Respect your opponent. Treat all players as you would like to be treated. Do not "bully" or take advantage of any player.

•Rugby is a team sport so make sure you co-operate with your coach, teammates and members of your club.

•At the end of the match thank your opponents and the referee for the match.

•Always remember that you owe a duty of care to your opponents. Tackle hard but fairly, do not intend to hurt your opponent.

•Winning and losing is part of sport: Win with humility - lose with dignity.

•As part of the team it is important that you attend training regularly, listen to your coach and help your team.

•As a team sport it is important to understand that all members are important to the team!

•Remember you are representing your team, club, family and the Game of Rugby.

Code for Spectators

•Be on your best behaviour and lead by example. Do not use profane language or harass referees, players or coaches.

•Applaud good play by the visiting team as well as your own.

•Show respect for your team's opponents. Without them there would not be a match.

•Condemn the use of violence in all forms at every opportunity.

•Verbal abuse of players or referees cannot be accepted in any shape or form.

•Players or referees are not fair targets for ignorant behaviour.

•Encourage players to play by the Laws of the Game.

•Spectators can contribute to the enjoyment of the event and all involved.

•Be proud of your club and the Game of Rugby

TORNADO TIME

Malone Tornadoes Mixed Ability

Team has had a busy few months since the beginning of 2024.

Great turn outs at training each week with 30+ players coupled with their application for the next IMART World Cup 2025 in Pamplona, Spain, meant there was a great buzz about the club.

Tornadoes began the year with another visit to Gibson Park from Banbridge Barbarians and it was Malone Tornadoes who captured a narrow victory. As always the banter and craic was mighty both on and off the field.

Tornadoes then played a modified touch version of MA against Malone U-16s, opening up the MA game to another audience.

Next up was a tour for the Tornadoes on invitation from Winchester RFC. Once again Tornadoes broke new ground, facing players and a referee who had never encountered MAR but they quickly got into it and the spirit of competitiveness whilst being mindful of looking after everyone on the pitch. It was also an opportunity for the foundations and disability support groups in the local area to attend, see how good MAR can be. Tornadoes took the win and went on to take the city by storm, sharing in a

'Rugby Action Against Cancer' lunch followed by the usual great craic.

Next, a fixture against a Grosvenor RFC squad who had never played MAR, and despite Tornadoes being down a significant amount of playing facilitators gained the win after a hard-fought match.

Meanwhile over in Bath, Malone Tornadoes continued their rich tradition of having players selected for The MARIs.

Kenny, Lochlann and Chris were an integral part of this MARIs team who played local team Walcot Warriors at the famous Bath 'Rec' ground and spreading the good name and reputation of Malone Tornadoes once again.

Back home again we welcomed The Dragons Allstars MAR from Gwent to Malone for their very first tour. We also welcomed Double World Boxing Champion Carl ‘The Jackal' Frampton into the Tornadoes fold but unfortunately, Tornadoes couldn't match their recent exploits and The Dragons took the win.

Throughout all of these training sessions and games, the eyes remained firmly on the tour to Madrid at the end of March. Hosted by Alcobendas RFC with Malone old boy Garrett Curran at the helm, 36 players and supporters made their way to Spain.

With the weather being so good the new tour kit was

Malone Tornadoes made the news on Spanish television.

Left: Rising high in Winchester and above, introducing Malone’s under-16s to Mixed Ability Rugby.

a welcome addition to comfort and coolness. As usual the spirits were high right from the start with many tour traditions being continued and the craic mighty. After a session of bowling, tapas and liquid refreshments, the squad had a visit to the ground to get a feel of the arena.

Game day was even hotter than anticipated with the festival only beginning at 4pm with a total of 6 teams involved. The MAR game is still developing in Spain and it was a good opportunity for the Tornadoes to showcase how far the game can be progressed.

Tornadoes probably played their best free-flowing rugby with notable try scoring feats by Jordan, JJ

and Aidan which came about from total team play from every possible opportunity. Even with multiple changes throughout each match, every player kept the standards high as well as making the national news. A number of Tornadoes players volunteered to play alongside the other teams and that created its own element of fun. With 5 matches and 5 wins, Tornadoes came off the pitch satisfied and ready to play the 3rd half which they duly did.

A lovely day in the centre of Madrid sightseeing finished the tour off with more team bonding as we sat in the warm sunshine making more memories and building on friendship. Everyone was a credit to Malone Tornadoes.

Malone Tornadoes are excited to annouce that they will be representing Ireland at the 2025 Mixed Ability World Cup at Pamplona, Spain. Keep an eye on our social media outlets for more details

Making plenty of new friends in Winchester.

‘Chis’ on the charge.

Tornadoes in Madrid.

Malone under-12s ran out seven tries to six winners in a great game with their Ards counterparts recently. Two evenly balanced teams battled it out in poor conditions, Ards running away with it in the first quarter by four tries to nil. Malone worked hard to pull the score back to four tries each and both teams scored a further two tries apiece before Malone grabbed the winner in the last play of the game.

SUPPORTING MALONE RUGBY CLUB

MALONE R.F.C.

1.Jonny Caskey

2.Dan Kerr

3.Ricky Greenwood

4.Jacob Edwards

5.Patrick Fullarton-Healey

6.Daryl Maxwell

7.Dave Cave (Capt)

8.Ross Todd

9Ryan Flavelle

10.Matty Rae

11.Mark McGlynn

12.Nathan Burns

13.Jack McMurtry

14.Mark Galvin

15.Andy Bryans

16.Sam Green

17.Gary Crawford

18.Matthew Crowther

19.Davy McMaster

20.Murray Houston

Nathan Burns

CASHEL

Forwards:

1.Cormac O’Donnell

2.Philly Ryan

3.Brendan Ryan

4.Brendan Crosse

5.Ed Kelly

6.Mikey Wilson (c)

7. James Ryan

8. Cairan Ryan

Replacements:

16.Cathal Ryan

17. ?Adam Shirley

18. ?Josh Evans

19. ?Jaymes O’Sullivan

20. ?Darragh Kelly

Backs:

9.Jack Armshaw

10.Ryan O’Sullivan

11.Tom Tobin

12.Jamie Ryan

13.Richard Kingston

14.Josh O’Dwyer

15.Jack Evenden

Malone RFC would like to remind all match patrons of the club’s code of conduct and strict anti-tolerance policy when it comes to abuse of match officials. When entering the ground, please be on your best behaviour and lead by example. Do not use profane language or harass referees, players or coaches. Players and referees are not fair targets for improper behaviour. Verbal abuse of players or referees cannot and will not be accepted in any shape or form.

If you display this behaviour, you will be asked to leave the ground immediately. We ask all members to be vigilant and to comply with Malone’s code of conduct.

Be proud of your club and the game of rugby.

UPCOMING FIXTURES

SATURDAY 2nd April AWAY GAME

Greystones v MALONE

2.30 pm kick off at Greystones.

FINAL FEVER

Well done to our u16 squad who are through to the final of the cup at Kingspan Stadium on Sunday 21st April. They defeated Banbridge in a tight encounter at Rifle Park. Meabh Hull scored the allimportant try while Rachel Kelly sealed the deal with a conversation and a penalty to see the girls through 7-10.

Congratulations Jorja

Congratulations to one of our former youth ladies,Jorja Battishill togging out for England Under-20s recently. Playing against the Army Ladies, Englandhey put in a very comprehensive performance to come away with a comprehensive win.Great game Jorja well done.

Proud to be Malone Mini Rugby main sponsor

On a perfect night for playing rugby, Malone under 18s just about came out on top in a pulsating encounter with Grosvenor Grammar School. Well done to all the players for putting on such a great game, players of the match were Finn for Malone and James for Grosvenor sponsored by Dirt Bird

Our thanks to Mark McDowell for bringing his Grosvenor squad to Gibson Park for the game.

Congratulations to youth players Lucas Dows and Dylan Fox (vice captain) selected in the starting XV for Ulster Clubs U18’s Interpro vs Munster on Wednesday 27th March in Limerick.

I would like to welcome the Cashel squad to Belfast for what should be a great game.

It is another big game for both sides, and we need to build on the momentum gained at UL Bohs. Last week showed the fight this squad still has with a brilliant win in Limerick. We currently have several players unavailable, but the boys went down and produced a superb performance. However, the message all week is that we need to back it up this week or it will have meant nothing.

This is our last home game of the regular season, and I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for supporting the squad throughout the season and hopefully we can repay that with a big win today.

Malone RFC is proud to support

The Children’s Cancer Unit Charity depends entirely on public donations and the support of our generous fundraisers.

All year round, our families, friends and supporters organise events and activities - from coffee mornings to gala balls, sponsored skydives to cookbooks, fun runs to 32 marathons in a row - all in aid of the Children’s Cancer Unit.

Donations can also be made online via our website at www.childrenscancerunit.com/support-us

We could not continue to assist the work of the Children’s Cancer Unit without your support. Please get in touch if you would like to help.