MALONE The Cregagh Redsocks
RUGBY FOOTBALL CLUB Versus
Saturday 30th October Kick off 2.30pm
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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.
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A MESSAGE FROM KEITH MURRAY PRESIDENT MALONE RFC Dear Members & Guests On behalf of all the members of Malone Rugby Football Club I would like to welcome you all to Gibson Park for today’s All Ireland League fixture against Highfield RFC. Its both an honour and privilege to be the 85th President of Malone RFC in our 129th season. I would like to extend a special Malone welcome to Highfield RFC, it’s president Caroline Lyons and her guests. Highfield are flying high at the top of 1B and undefeated after beating Naas a few weeks ago. Division 1B is again proving to be a very competitive league with three teams, Highfield, Old Wesley & Armagh presently all with three wins. Division 1B is a real test of endurance and commitment and we hope to back to full strength as soon as possible. The club has two AIL games today with our ladies team playing in Blackrock - good luck girls. As ever we are indebted to our sponsors both large and small and we could not function without all your assistance, thank you on behalf of all our members. I would like to thank all our club volunteers who turn up to look after our club on a very regular basis. Your hard work is often forgotten but not
unseen. Thank you all To all our supporters, families and friends I ask for 100% support and commitment for all our teams, and respect for the opposition and the officials. I would also like to take this opportunity to congratulate Neve Jones on her selection for the Ireland squad for the upcoming Autumn Internationals and also to Sam Green on his selection for the Ireland Under18 Club Squad. Well done both of you. After today's match I want to welcome everyone back inside the clubhouse for some traditional Malone hospitality. Finally I hope you all enjoy your day at Gibson Park, and I look forward to welcoming you again in the future. Keith Murray President, Malone RFC
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OUR VISITORS TODAY
HIGHFIELD RFC
East Belfast is synonymous with the red green and black of Glentoran Football Club but today we welcome another team in red green and black to Gibson Park, Highfield Rugby Football Club Situated in the western suburbs of Cork, the club was founded in 1930 and named after two residential roadways which were built on the land where the team trained, namely Highfield Avenue and Highfield Avenue West. Following several moves to various locations in the same vicinity the club finally settled on its present location of Woodleigh Park and became the first club in Munster to own its own ground even though it was still a junior club at the time of purchase. Since its beginning as a junior club the main ambition of the club was to attain senior status and, following huge success in minor and junior competitions, this was finally achieved in the 1952 - 53 season. Off the field Highfield were intent on developing facilities on their grounds and in 1955 a new clubhouse was opened. More land was bought in the sixties and the complex now contains two playing pitches, a grassed training area, three all weather pitches which can accommodate five-a-side soccer or a training area for rugby during
inclement weather. It also has a fine clubhouse containing three squash courts, a separate function hall with a fully fitted kitchen, two lounge bars, an office and meeting rooms. There are six stand alone dressing rooms and showers and a club shop, all on 13 acres of land. Highfield have 3 floodlit all weather pitches available to hire for matches, training/coaching sessions, mini tournaments etc. The biggest recent achievement from all our sponsors and volunteers has been the building of our new Gym in 2019, coming from the pushing and passion of past President Sam Godsell. Highfield arerightly proud of their clubhouse, Gym and other facilities. From a rugby viewpoint the club, like Malone, has a large membership and turns out four adult teams and has a thriving youth section. Highfield has contributed greatly to the promotion and development of rugby in the local area and has provided players and administrators to both province and country.
A welcome visit In early October Malone had a surprise visit from ex-player Boyd McCleary. For many years since his Malone days, Boyd has lived in the British Virgin Islands, so when home for a visit, he called into Malone with his sister, Lindsay Rainey. Both were pupils at Grosvenor Grammar School and after leaving school Boyd played at Malone. Both Lindsay and Boyd have many happy memories of Malone and were delighted to be shown around the club.
Boyd and Lindsay with the picture of the old pavilion.
Boyd especially enjoyed the picture of the old pavilion and marveled at the great change in the facilities since his playing days. Boyd was following a family tradition as his father, Robert (Jug) McCleary also played at Malone and was President for the 1951-52 season. Robert McCleary is pictured in the 1931 team picture, centre, holding the ball.
Boyd and Lindsay at the President’s Board in the main hall
Chairman’s Message Firstly I would like to welcome all our members, guests and visitors from Highfield RFC to Gibson Park today. I hope you all have a great day and we witness another great AIL Division 1B game. As things slowly return to normal after lockdown restrictions, I would like to update you on some of the things that have been going on in the background and some upcoming events that I hope you will all enjoy. This summer saw the start of a three year plan to upgrade the playing surface on both pitches at the club. The grounds team have worked tirelessly, laying sand, vertidraining, scarifiyng the pitches, weed killing, then praying for rain and re-grassing the surfaces. This will be an ongoing process to Improve the playing surface and the durability of the pitches, Many thanks to Gerry, Gary and their team. In the clubhouse you will notice we now have a disabled toilet inside the main entrance to the club and the upstairs toilets have been refurbished and freshened up. We are also nearing completion of the new upstairs ladies shower and changing facilities, plus numerous painting jobs, additions and modifications. We also completely replaced the LED floodlights on both pitches with the latest improved version. A major upgrade was undertaken of how we pay and organise the bar electronically. As you will know we were operating on a cash only basis for some time while this was done, but we now have new cash card terminals and this will be a major benefit to all members. We are introducing a new caterer today, Matt McCracken, a club member, and we hope this will be the beginning of a long standing arrangement. The kitchen upgrade is also nearing completion. New ovens, hob, hot tables etc are all in situ and once they are plumbed in we can finish the final fix and the kitchen will be fully operational. This will also be of great benefit to the club.
It would have been nice to be able to open fully once restrictions eased, but like everyone else, we had the same problems of staffing and the unknown quantity of how members would react to Covid restrictions. I am glad to tell you that as stadium supporter numbers have increased substantially it has been agreed that we will start opening the bar for Ulster home games on Friday nights, commencing with Ulster's game against Northampton in the Heineken Champions Cup on 17th December. Keep an eye on our social media outlets for more details We will also be showing all of Ireland's Autumn Internationals in the club, starting next week with Japan. Bar is open from midday. The following week we are showing the New Zealand game and the following Sunday the club is open for the game against Argentina. Another club favourite that has suffered due to Covid is the Thursday night ‘Quiz’ which members have enjoyed for the past 20 years or more. this was also a source of funding for the club, many many thanks to Joan Logan for organising the ‘Quiz’ over this long period of time. Joan is retiring but the ‘Quiz’ may be continuing on Zoom, please contact Raymond Thomas for further details. As I said before, I hope you all have a great day at Malone and please, feel free to say hello and have a chat. Michael
A dander down When rugby resumed in 1919, Malone was weakened by the formation of Instonians RFC, as many players until then had been recruited from RBAI. It was not long though before four teams were being fielded again and this continued until 1939. The main pitch for the club remained at Balmoral, but many other pitches were used, Rosetta, Malone RFC 1924/25 Newforge, Osborne Park, both to Queens and North respectively. Anderstonstown and Glengormley. The junior teams did not fare much Facilities at these grounds were better, although the seconds did win primitive to say the least, at some the Junior League and Junior Cup in there was no changing facilities at all, 1931-32. They also shared the Junior so it was not unusual for Malone teams League with CIYMS in 1937-38. to use the Public Baths at Ormeau The Third fifteen won the Minor league Avenue, and travel by tram, fully kitted, in 1926-27 and gain in 1928-29. to the game. In 1932 the club adopted a new set of During the 20s around fifty per cent of bye-laws which included a change of players were recruited from young name to Malone Rugby Football Club men from around the country who had and at the same meeting, subscriptions come to work in Belfast and with were set at 10 shillings (50p) for non Balmoral only used for playing and playing members and 20 shillings (£1) training, there were no clubrooms and for playing members. players came from all over the city of The playing pitch situation became Belfast to play for Malone. critical when in 1935 the Royal Ulster During the 1920s and 1930s playing Agricultural Society informed the club successes were few and far between. that they would not let the ground for The club contested the final of the rugby after the 1935/36 season. This Senior Cup on two occasions losing naturally caused some panic among
The original wooden pavilion at Gibson Park before it was demolished in 1977
members, but thanks to the efforts of F. J. Strain, it was resolved when the Ulster Branch bought Gibson Park, previously the home of Willowfield Football Club and rented it to Malone for £60 per year. At Gibson Park there was one pitch which ran at right angles to the present two pitches and was surrounded by a low white fence and a cinder track. Along both sides ran a high banking and the whole property was enclosed by a corrugated iron fence. There was also a timber pavilion with two changing rooms with with a communal bath. Unfortunately the baths were designed for 11 footballers, not 15 rugby players on a a pitch that became a little ‘heavy’ when wet. However, the club now had a home of its own and generations of players were well served by the baths until replaced by the showers in the new pavilion in 1968. Malone was distinguished in producing top administrators. Two IRFU Presidents, A. Tedford and F.J. Strain. Three Ulster Branch Presidents, A.J. Strain, R.W. Smyth and C.C. Harte and Sam Donaldson became an International referree, taking charge of the 1937 England v Scotland Calcutta Cup match. Only two Malone players became internationals during this time H.G. Ross and R.B. (Blair) Mayne, who joined Malone from Queens after touring South Africa with the British Lions in 1938. Blair Mayne who was captain of the club in 1939 is also remembered for his well documented exploints during World War Two. Following the outbreak of war in 1939 only two sides could be fielded and Malone, Collegians and North often combined to produce a team that could compete against southern senior teams in friendlies.
Next time: After the war and the 1950s
IN THESE YEARS
Third Tipperary Brigade Flying Column No. 2 under Seán Hogan during the Irish War of Independence.
Prohibition agents destroying barrels of alcohol in accordance to the 18th amendment, which made alcoholic beverages illegal in the United States throughout the entire 1920s Amelia Earhart beneath the nose of her Lockheed Model 10-E Electra, March 1937, Oakland, California, before departing on her final round-theworld attempt prior to her disappearance
German dictator Adolf Hitler and the Nazi Party attempt to establish a New Order of German hegemony in Europe, which culminates in 1939 when Germany invades Poland, leading to the outbreak of World War II
MALONE 1. Tommy O’Hagan
3. Gareth Milanasinivich
2. Clayton Milligan
4. Adam McNamee
6. Dan Kerr
5. James McAlister
8. Max Porter
7. Dave Cave Captain
9. Shane Kelly 11. Andy Bryans
10. Angus Curtis
12. Nathan Brown 13. David McMaster 15. Aaron Sexton
14. Rory Campbell
TEAM PL W HIghfield 3 3 Old Wesley 3 3 Armagh 3 3 Old Belvedere 3 2 Shannon 3 1 St. Mary’s 3 1 Naas 3 1 Malone 3 1 Shannon 3 0 Navan 3 0
L 0 0 0 1 2 2 2 2 3 3
D PF PA DIFF B 0 101 37 64 2 0 88 47 41 1 0 75 48 21 1 0 66 55 11 1 0 74 56 18 3 0 64 58 6 3 0 57 78 -21 2 0 64 90 -26 0 0 37 81 -44 0 0 41 117 -76 0
16. Harry Andrews
17 Aidan McSwiggin
18 Stewart McKendrick
19 Lewis Finlay
20 Ben McCaughey
21 Ricky Greenwood
PTS 14 13 13 9 7 7 6 4 0 0
HIGHFIELD 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15.
James Rochford Robert Murphy Daragh Fitzgerald Fintan O’Sullivan David O’Connell Ryan Murphy Ronán O’Sullivan Mian Cronin Mark Farrell Shane O’Riordan Paul Stack Mark Dorgan Patrick O’Toole Sam Burns Luke Kingston
Subs: 16. Travis Coomey 17. Ian McCarthy 18. Cathal Gallagher 19. Edward Earle 20 Seán Quaid 21 Colin O’Neill
Chris Henry tackles the may struggle to solidify his position in that number 2 spot with Kelleher adding an ‘X’ With the RWC 2023 on the factor in his ball carries. horizon this will be a However, for me, the set fantastic opportunity piece in Test rugby is to see how we too important and compete against Herring’s lineout darts some of the world’s sets him apart. I’d start him. best. As usual Iain Henderson’s With so much disruption name needs to be on that caused by the pandemic and an team sheet. His leadership underwhelming Lions tour role is going to be huge taking our best players away over the next few seasons from the Summer Tests, this as many of his peers such as November will allow us to Sexton and Murray are showcase our best talent. approaching retirement. Japan who gave us a scare in Having not been involved in the summer fixture will be any of the Lions tests in SA, coming to Dublin with no Robert Henderson will have a point to fear and weather Balocoune prove. Sexton will also surely wanting to add permitting, will surely have a huge chip on his want to play their wide to to his one cap against USA shoulder about his Lions wide, haphazard game of exclusion. As we keep searching for rugby. Then it’s the small matter of his back up - I back him to have one facing the mighty All Blacks and of his best campaigns yet, injury finally Los Pumas, who always permitting. provide a niggly affair. With this level of opposition, I’m not sure Andy Farrell can afford Jonny Sexton can he turn the to make too many radical clock back? rotations week to week. As usual it will be hard to see past an Irish starting team without the majority being from our D4 neighbours. Hopefully I’m wrong and some of our young Ulster stars such as Baloucoune, Timoney, Hume and O’Toole get game time. One of Ulster’s most experienced players Rob Herring
What an exciting month ahead to be an Irish rugby fan.
Autumn Internationals The one position Ireland can rotate week to week is the back row unit. It is the most debated position in the team. I like the balance of Bierne at 6, Van Der Flier at 7 and British and Irish Lion Jack Conan at 8. The sensible option for the bench would be Caelan Doris but perhaps Peter O’Mahoney’s leadership and lineout skill may be too difficult to resist. Also, how much buzz would it bring to have one of Irelands most exciting players Simon Zebo back starting in green. This man can make things happen, so until Stockdale gets his ‘X’ factor back I’d start him. Also, remember to keep an eye on the Fijian team this autumn as my old skipper Rory Best has been drafted in to take charge of the Fijian forward pack. At last, they have someone who can develop their offloading skills! Obviously, the highlight of the month will be facing New Zealand. I managed to get my hands on a few tickets so if you are looking for me on 13th November, I will be in the Aviva belting out ‘Irelands call’! I was lucky enough to face the haka once in my career in 2012 when they beat us by a record 60-0 in Hamilton. Thankfully Ireland have come a long way since then!!
Chris, as well as playing for Malone, played 184 times for Ulster and gained 24 Ireland caps.
SAM’S THE LATEST TO ANSWER IRELAND’S CALL Sam Green is the latest Malone man to be called into an Ireland match day squad. The 18 year-old Ashfield Boy’s School pupil has been selected for the Ireland Under-18 Clubs squad which is coached by Brendan O’Connor and Kevin Maggs. The squad assembled in Dubliin on Tuesday and travelled to Italy for their game on Saturday 30th October at Stadio di Monigo. 3pm kick off. Sam came to Malone as a 14 year who played scrum half. It didn’t take long before he moved into the front row to play hooker and he hasn’t looked back since. Sam has played Under-14, Under-16 and Under-18 age groups at Malone and is the current Under-18 captain. He has had representative honours for Ulster at Under-16 and more recently at Sam Green in his Ireland kit Under-18 level in the inter-provincial and representing Ulster at series. Energia Park.
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The Coach’s Corner Both senior teams return to Gibson Park today which will no doubt be a busy and entertaining day. The 1st XV welcome league leaders Highfield which will be a challenge but one we look forward to and welcome. The seconds line up against Banbridge seconds and look to build on what has been a good start to their season under the inspiring tutelage of Davy ‘Disco’ Heron and James ‘Party Boy’ Stewart. Numbers at training have been healthy over the last couple of weeks with the boys working honestly and consistently to improve their performances. After a winning start in the All Ireland League at home to Navan we went on to lose two games on the road where we were punished
heavily for our mistakes. We must learn from this and ensure we don’t compound errors. If we can do this, our performance will improve and hence our results. I’d like to take this opportunity on behalf of the Malone coaching and playing group to pass our heartfelt condolences onto Darryl Maxwell on the sudden passing of his father, Gary Maxwell. A reminder of the fragilities of life. Up above, down below. William Leacock
Covering rugby in Ulster
With the women Historic win for Wicklow Malone fell to an unfortunate loss last time out to Wicklow at Ashton Lane. In fact this was Wicklow’s first ever AIL win. Malone stared brightly enough with the wind at their backs and after eight minutes Neve Jones touched down to give the visitors the lead, Alexa Grudgings converting. Wicklow though were more familar with the home surroundings and making good use of the conditions were able to keep Malone pinned in their own ‘22’ . It was great to see Ulster and Malone man Alan O'Connor back at the club taking the senior women in preparation for their All Ireland League game, away to Wicklow.
Scores from Ella Rogers and Sarah Gleeson with Beth Roberts converting one of the tries were enough to give Wicklow an historic first ever AIL win. WICKLOW 12 : MALONE 7 Scorers: Wicklow: Tries: Ella Roberts, Sarah Gleeson; Con: Beth Roberts Malone: Try: Neve Jones; Con: Alexa Grudgings HT: Wicklow 5 Malone 7
Many thanks to Bodyscape Health Club, for facilitating our Women's team for a strenuous spin session. Bodyscape are one of the sponsors of our Women's section and it is good to see the partnership in action.
Our U14 girls were back in action during October at Gibson Park. Big thanks to Cooke RFC Women for the game.
POTTINGER’S ENTRY, BELFAST