Malone vs Old Wesley 18 Feb 2023

vs Old Wesley

Saturday, 18th February, 2023 Gibson Park, Belfast.

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

Gerry Gibbons

Mark Dowds

Gary Brown

David Heron

Ken Campbell

Gary Kirkpatrick

Jonathan McAllister

Michael Kearney

Raymond Thomas

Secretary:

Raymond Thomas

Rugby Committee:

Chair: Michael Kearney

Vice-Chair: David Heron

Clubhouse and facilities:

Mark Dowds

Grounds:

Gerry Gibbons

Programme and Social Media:

Ken Campbell

Advertising and sponsorship:

Jonathan McAllister

Malone RFC proudly supports:

President: Gerry Gibbons

Senior

Vice President: Ken Campbell

Junior Vice President: Gary Kirkpatrick

Chairman: Stuart Duncan

Well One and All,

It’s back to business after a break (of sorts) for the start of the 6 Nations - What a match that Ireland v France was !

We’re back in action this weekend against our friends and rivals from the banks of the River Dodder, Old Wesley. I extend, on behalf of the club, a warm welcome to Robbie Love and his guests from Donnybrook.

We at Malone go into this match today knowing that our backs are to the wall and a victory would help very much in achieving our aim of staying where we are in the AIL. I know from attending these games and watching the boys in action, how attritional the campaign is on our players. I do not want to exclude anyone but it is a credit to Neil, Maxi, Ben, Nathan, Conor S., Ricky G, Rory and Shane et al, that after all these years they lay their bodies on the line week in, week out, for this club of ours. From them, Michael Crothers, Patrick F-H, Big Adam Mc and others take their lead.

I would also like to welcome Aaron back after that debilitating injury he suffered against Wesley on the 12th November last.

I’ll also take this opportunity congratulate

Megan Creighton, Mia Ferguson and Katie McAllister on their progression in the Ulster set-up.

Harry, Ross and Joe are to be congratulated on their driving skills in supporting them on their journey around Ireland.

The Womens’ senior team appear also to be enjoying themselves and the Enniskillen match was a cracker.

It’s great to see the Boys Youth getting games against the school sides. Well done to all concerned.

Finally can I remind everyone that we follow the IRFU Code of Conduct. I thank and welcome Kieran Barry and his two officials to Daddy Winker’s and please show courtesy and respect at all times to them. G.G.

PS…. I still don’t believe Shane Kelly that the bulk under his shirt is caused by his wearing of a thick stab vest. He assured me in Cork that it’s a necessity in the workplace for him and he wears it 24/7 as it takes getting used to. Good luck with the Big Day that’s not far off now, SK.

Old Wesley

With six games remaining of the regular season, Old Wesley will be looking to make a push for the play-off places.

Sitting in fifth place, three points behind near neighbours Old Belvedere, they will view this game as a ‘must win’ if they wish to repeat last season’s top four finish. Malone, on the other hand, will also view this a ‘must win’ game. With five Ulster players released to play this weekend a win against Wesley will be looked upon as a springboard to a run of games in the battle against relegation. Its a tall order though as Malone sit seven points behind their closest rivals, Banbridge. But with six games remaining and the pitches starting to firm up, who knows what will happen.

Over the past few seasons Malone and Wesley have thrown up some tight encountersexpect this one to be no different.

Old Wesley Rugby Football Club was founded in 1891 from past pupils of Wesley College, Dublin. Since then it has bcome one of Leinster’s most famous Clubs.

There were approximately 30 matches played over the first two years and in 1894 Old Wesley reached the final of the Leinster Junior Cup losing out to Blackrock. However, the Leinster Branch awarded the trophy to Wesley after Blackrock were deemed to have played an ’unfair team’.

in 1895 Old Wesley played their first senior match, recording a draw against Wanderers.

The early 1900s saw the club moving to grounds at Westfield Park, Harold Cross. As across Europe, the outbreak of war put a hold on rugby and when Old Wesley took the field again in 1919/20 they had moved to Donnybrook and in 1927 the pavilion at Donnybrook was sold to the Leinster Branch. The 1930s into the 40s were a time of progression for Old Wesley as the club grew stronger, but again, War put a hold on proceedings and after the war in 1947, improvements had been made to the Donnybrook pavilion and Old Wesley was now fielding six teams and was renting grounds for the junior teams at Kimmage.

In 1951 the club made the Leinster Senior Cup final, losing out to Old Belvedere, and in 1955/56 a new ground at Brewery Road,

Stillorgan was acquired.

last season.

The 60s saw continual growth for Old Wesley with a pavilion extension and a bar installed at Donnybrook and by the end of the decade that bar was extended.

The 1970s saw further growth and another extension at Doonbrook celebrated with a game against an International XV in 1972.

In the 1975/75 season, Phil Orr gained his first Irish cap. By the time he retired in 1987/88, he had broken the records for the most capped Irish prop and the most capped international prop with 58 caps.

In 1988 Old Wesley won the Smithwicks Floodlit Cup beating Terenure in the final. Their

Rory Campbell prepares to send Aaron Sexton clear in the corresponding fixture

reward was a meeting with Bangor in the All Ireland Smithwicks Floodlit Trophy. Bangor won 9-6 after extra time.

At this time Old Wesley was providing players for Leinster on a regular basis and in 1990 four represented the club for Leinster against the All Blacks.

Also in 1990 the 1st XV won Division 2 of the inaugural All Ireland League and gained promotion to Division 1.

IN 1991/92 Old Wesley celebrated its centenary with Phil Orr as President. The highlight of the season was the match between Old Wesley and The Barbarians when Wesley became the first-ever Irish team to beat The Barbarians.

They won the 11 eleven try match in dramatic fashion with a last-minute drop goal to win 3736.

In 1997 though, Wesley was relegated to Division 2 of the AIL and in 1999 they dropped to Division 3, however, they were promoted back to Division 2 in 2000 but came straight back down the following year.

In 2009, after eight years in Division 3, Old Wesley is promoted to Division 2 where they stayed until 2014/15 when they were promoted to 1B, winning 13 out of 15 games. 2016/17 saw double celebrations as Old Wesley celebrated its 125th year and the new clubhouse at Donnybrook was opened.

Today’s Game in numbers

10thMalone sit in tenth place after 12 games TEN

273228

forPoints

Points forPoints against

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

DHS vs Malone U-16s

Malone's under-16 side played their Down High School counterparts last Saturday and just about came out on top in tight tussle . Both squads enjoyed the competitive match-up and our thanks go to Down High School for organising and hosting the game.

MALONE R.F.C.

1.Ben Halliday

2.Declan Moore

3.Gareth Milasinovich

4.Neill Alcorn

5.Cory Tipping

6.Daryl Maxwell

7.Dave Cave (Capt)

8.Michael Crothers

9David Shanahan

10.Angus Curtis

11.Davy McMaster

12.Nathan Brown

13.Ben Gibson

14.Andy Bryans

15.Aaron Sexton

16.Sam Green

17.Lawson Porter

18.Stuart Doddington

19.Shane Kelly

20.Yasser Omar

21.Rory Campbell

Ben Gibson

Old Wesley

Forwards:

1.Harry Noonan

2.Howard Noonan

Gleeson

Backs: 9.Keith Kavanagh

10.Ian Cassidy

11.Andrew Vincent

12.Eoin Monaghan

13.Eoin Deegan

14.Nathan Randles

15. Thomas O’Callaghan

Replacements:

16. Dom McClean

17. Sam Kenny

18. Brian Short

19. Josh O’Hare

20. Niall Finn

21. David Poff

3.Cronan

4.David Motyer

5.Iain McGann

6.Will Fay

7. Reuben Pim

8. Sam Pim

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 25th February AWAY GAME

Buccaneers v MALONE

AIL - 5.30 pm kick off at Dubarry Park

NEXT HOME GAME

SATURDAY 4th March

MALONE v Naas

2.30 pm kick off AT GIBSON PARK

SATURDAY 25th March AWAY GAME

Banbridge vs MALONE

AIL. 2.30 pm kick off at Rifle Park

SATURDAY 1st April HOME GAME

MALONE v St. Mary’s

AIL - 2.30 pm kick off at Gibson Park

Proud to be Malone Mini Rugby main sponsor

Malone players Mia Ferguson, Megan Creighton and Katie McAllister took part in the Under-18 Girls Development Interprovincial matches which took place at the IRFU High Performance Centre last Sunday afternoon and on Thursday at Terenure College.

The midterm break provided the ideal window for the provincial teams to get a couple of runouts before the Ireland Under-18 squad (sponsored by PwC) is selected for the U-18 Six Nations Festival, which takes place on April 715 at Wellington College in Berkshire, England. The Interprovincial Development Series offered a final opportunity for players to impress the national coaches, led by Katie Fitzhenry, IRFU Women’s National WNTS and Talent Identification Manager. There was plenty of travelling support for all the provinces on the day, with each of the touchlines full of spectators for the games. on Sunday Leinster, who retained the U-18 Interprovincial title last September, played Ulster and Munster were up against Connacht, both games kicking off simultaneously. On Thursday Ulster played Connacht and Leinster ran out against Munster. Ulster lost both their games, but this was an important step in the team’s development and the three Malone girls all played an important part.

IRFU Women’s Development Manager Amanda Greensmith believes it is an important step for all the young players to get the chance to play at the HPC, a venue which is regularly used by the national 15s and Sevens teams. The two rounds of fixtures are very much an attempt to ramp up preparations

Girls U-18 Development Interpros

for the upcoming U-18 Six Nations campaign. Greensmith said it was a real opportunity for girls to put their best foot forward with squad selection on the horizon.

Once the Ireland U18 panel, sponsored by PwC, is selected there will be three training camps hosted at the IRFU High Performance Centre in Dublin in the lead up to the U18 Women’s Six Nations, which takes place between the 7th-15th April at Wellington College in Berkshire, England.

Katie Fitzhenry, IRFU Women’s National WNTS and Talent Identification Manager, commented, “It’s really exciting to get to watch these players getting to play Interpros again leading into the Six Nations Festival. Last year we hadn’t a lot of players who went club, province, country into the U18’s Six Nations Festival. This year we changed the age bracket to 18 so we still allowed for those girls who hadn’t actually previously gotten to

Ulster U-18s in action against Leinster.

play interpros in the summer so this year it is directly U18s so hopefully this year we will go club, province, country straight into the Six Nations Festival.”

The interpro fixtures will show the Ireland U18 coaches where individual players are in their development and who might be ready to compete in an U18 Six Nation Festival.

“The interpros are massive for these players. It

gives them a good competition leading into a Six Nations Festival. We don’t get a massive lead in time so therefore its important to get as much game time for them as we can and good competition is always important at that age. It’s a great opportunity for these girls to be seen and put on a clear pathway for that green jersey,” said Fitzhenry.

Megan Creighton keeps a close eye on the Leinster scrum.

Megan Creighton, Mia Ferguson and Katie McAllister at the girls U-18 Development Interprovincials

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9. Mini Rugby

There is no doubting the difficult campaign we have had so far, but the belief and buy-in from the whole playing group leaves me in doubt that we will be fighting right to the end to keep Malone in 1B.

The fight continues today with another tricky encounter against a dynamic and abrasive Wesley side who we welcome to Gibson Park. Hopefully we can put all the hard work from the training pitch on show and get that much needed win.

Further down the club the U16 side are a very bright hope for the club as I got to witness them play my school side last week. A talented group who played great rugby and I`m sure we will all keep a close eye on their progress through to senior rugby.

It was great to see club stalwart Connor Kelly tie the knot in Vegas this week. A big clubman who always steps up to the challenge, with marriage no doubt being his biggest one yet. Good to see some of the coaching team and

players make the trip over and we wish Connor and Caryn a happy marriage.

On a sadder note, we learnt of the passing of Letitia Dowds. A big Malone family and my thoughts go to Mark, Mark Jnr., Jason and the whole Dowds family circle.

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.