Blackrock College R.F.C. 2012/13

Season 2012/13

Message from the President of

Blackrock College Rugby Club It is great pleasure for me as President of Blackrock College Rugby Football Club in our 130th Year to welcome you all for the 2012/2013 Season.

This Season we are also celebrating 50 Years of ownership of our fine Grounds at Stradbrook and you will find in our Club Programme, in Articles and Photographs, many of the former Players and Members who have contributed to the History of Stradbrook over the past half Century.

I would like to extend my best wishes to Ben Manion, our Head Coach his Assistant Michael Carroll and our Club Captain Cian Culleton, and all our Teams, Senior, Under 21, Junior, Womens, Minis and Youths, and wish them every success throughout the Rugby Season.

David van Zuydum is the Chairman of the Minis and Youths and I wish him and his Committee well in the great work they do in fostering a love of Rugby amongst the hundreds of Boys and Girls attending Stradbrook each week.

I also extend a warm “Stradbrook” Welcome to the Players and Supporters from all our visiting Clubs and trust you will enjoy your time with us.

Finally to our own Players and Members, thank you for all your support down through the Years and I look forward to seeing you down at the Club in the near future.

Your sincerely, Tony Amoroso, President Blackrock College RFC.

We have a very active Executive Committee, under the Chairmanship of Frank O’Riordan, who, along with our Rugby and Finance Committees and our many Sub-Committees, are working hard to ensure the future success of the Club, both on and off the playing fields. Our plans include the erection of a new Gymnasium and the installation of Floodlights on the main Pitch, both projects for which we have received Planning Permission. We are also reaching out to the local Community through our first class Bar and Catering facilities for Anniversary, Birthday and Christening celebrations.

I would like to welcome the Community and Staff of Blackrock College, including Fr. Cormac O’Brolchain C.S.S.p, Fr. Tom Nash C.S.S.p and the College Principle Alan MacGinty, all of whom are great supporters of the Club.

I wish Brian O’Sullivan President of the Blackrock College Past Pupils Union, every success in his Year of Presidency and look forward to developing even closer relationships between the Club and the Union.

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Message to Blackrock College RFC from Billy Glynn, President , IRFU 20 12-‘13 Congratulations to Blackrock College RFC on your celebration this season of 50 years ownership of your grounds at Stradbrook.

It marks another notable milestone in the club’s proud and colourful history. I wish President, Tony Amoroso, his Committees and all players and members of the club every success and enjoyment in your special season.

I have always enjoyed my visits to Stradbrook and I treasure fond memories of playing in the popular Castle Trophy many years ago.

In wishing all your teams every success in the various grades, I know that ‘Rock will be especially keen to make a mark in the Ulster Bank League.

In its new two-Division format , following agreement with the clubs and Branches; I believe the League has been revitalised and that it now has the attraction of generating more interest and increased activity at clubs on big match days.

This is in keeping with the wishes of the Union and the Provincial Branches, whose policy is that the club scene endures as the bedrock of Irish rugby.

Finally, I would like to sincerely thank Ulster Bank, the official Community Partner to the IRFU, which includes sponsorship of the Ulster Bank League, the International Club side, the Ulster Bank Bateman Cup and the Ulster Bank Rugby Force initiative.

Best wishes for your special anniversary 2012-’13 season at Stradbrook.

Billy Glynn President – IRFU.

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Message from The Captain It is a great honour for me to represent Blackrock College RFC as Club Captain for the 2012/2013 Season and I look forward to the many challenges ahead.

I would like to welcome all new and returning Players and Members to the Club. In this our 130th Year we are celebrating 50 Years ownership of our Grounds at Stradbrook. I wish the best of good luck to Ben Manion, the Club’s Head Coach, and to all the other Team Coaches and Managements.

Your contributions to the well being and success of the Club’s Rugby fortunes are much appreciated.

Apart from my own involvement with the Senior Club sides I would like to take this opportunity to wish the Under 21’s, the Junior and Womens Teams and the Minis and Youths every success and enjoyment in the coming Season.

A special word of thanks goes to our Sponsors, whose support for the Clubs is invaluable.

To our many Members and Supporters your encouragement and presence on the sidelines throughout the Season is very much appreciated.

I would also like to welcome all visiting Players, Supporters and Officials to Stradbrook and I hope you enjoy your time with us, both on and off the pitch.

Finally to our new Club President, Tony Amoroso, I would like to extend my sincere congratulations and I hope you enjoy your term in office and have a successful year.

Best Wishes, Cian Culleton.

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e 201 Coach’s Messag

Since 1882 Blackrock College has been at the forefront of the club game in Ireland and is representative of so many of the best virtues of Rugby, making it an honour and a privilege to be appointed Head Coach for the 2012/13 season.

While the disappointment of last season should never be forgotten it has served to remind everyone that achievement does not come without extreme hard work, sacrifice and determination from Players, Coaches and Members alike. So it is with real optimism that we begin this new campaign.

My thanks go to our tireless management team of Tristan Wood, David Boyd and physio Albert Keogh whose dedication to the players has been invaluable. I would also like to take this opportunity to welcome Michael Carroll to the coaching team and wish him every success as he begins on his new pathway.

To John Fairley and the under 21’s, Tanya and the ladies and all of the junior and mini players and coaches I wish you much success and look forward to working with you all closely throughout the season.

Congratulations to incoming President Tony Amoroso and his Executive and I thank them for their continued hard work. It is a great credit to all involved that the Club is in the process of adding floodlights and a gym to its already impressive facilities in such difficult economic times.

Lastly, but by no means least, to the Members, Sponsors and Supporters thank you for your unwavering support.

You are the life blood of the club and your deeds are much appreciated by everyone who pulls on a ‘Rock’ jersey. It is understated how much a vocal support can lift a team so I urge you all to get to Stradbrook as often as possible and be a part of what promises to be a very exciting League campaign.

Best Regards, Ben Manion

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Executive Committee 2012/213

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01. Frank O’Riordan Chairman 02. Tony Amoroso President 03. Alan McLean Treasurer

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04. Robert Dobbyn Secretary 05. John Smith Vice President 06. Declan Carroll Immediate Past President

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Conor Cleary Paddy Lucey John Costigan Tania Rosser Stuart Creavin Brian O’Neill Michael Jackson

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residen P e h t m o r f e g a Mess

of the Leinster Branch It gives me great pleasure as President of the Leinster Branch to wish Blackrock College RFC the very best of luck over the forthcoming campaign.

We in Leinster Rugby are well served on the Leinster Branch Executive by Ben Underwood who is one of a host of members from your club over the years to have made a significant impact on the game in our province.

Your underage structures are the envy of many and I have no doubt that we will see many more Blackrock College RFC players following in the footsteps of the likes of Luke Fitzgerald, Ian Madigan, Brendan Macken, Andrew Conway and Fionn Carr in wearing the blue of Leinster in years to come.

And, of course, Leo Cullen, Captain of 3 Heineken Cup Winning Teams, an outstanding achievement that he shares with Fabien Pelous of Toulouse.

I would like to pay tribute to our Coach Joe Schmidt, his backroom staff and especially all the players for their magnificent efforts and I know that everyone connected with the team are focused on building once more this year in both the PRO12 and Heineken Cup competitions.

As European champions and the number one ranked team in Europe we will approach this campaign in a positive frame of mind, but mindful that we are now the team to beat.

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The Leinster Branch is committed to the ongoing development of the game in the Province. Virtually every season we have unveiled some new initiative to strengthen Clubs and enhance the skills and physical development of our young players. In recent times Clubs participate in special SchoolsYouths Competitions where they can select some schools players to play Youth Rugby. This facility enhances the potential for every Club to build vibrant Youth Sections inclusive of boys

from Section ‘B’ Schools as well as Section ‘A’ and non-rugby playing Schools.

On the pitch we have continued to strengthen our Professional Squad with the recruitment of some top quality players while we also continue the development of some highly promising home bred players. The Leinster Academy continues to produce men of real substance and quality and we have great hopes again for this year’s batch, though each of the players need the encouragement and freedom to make mistakes and, tellingly, learn from them. The British & Irish Cup will continue to provide these young players with muchneeded experience at a high level and hopefully we will see more players merge into the Senior ranks this season.

Our new state-of-the-art facility in UCD will help the province grow further and Leinster have established a new high performance training unit. Players will have access to UCD’s expanding suite of physiological and biochemical testing platforms and sports medicine facilities.

Research collaborations will be developed in areas such as high performance science, sensor technology, bioengineering and sports physiology while Educational collaboration will see an increasing number of Leinster players enrolling in UCD courses.

The RDS has become a wonderful home for the Leinster professional game. I hope to see many members of ‘Rock there during the season as we support our team in their search for greater success.

One of the key components of last year was the outstanding support of our loyal followers who typify all of the great virtues that are embedded in the province; strength in numbers, pride

and absolute loyalty. With record season ticket numbers for our games in the RDS and the Aviva Stadium, let’s hope that our supporters have many wonderful days to savour.

It is encouraging to see players enrolled in the Academy hail from across the so-called traditional and non-traditional ranks. It is my firm belief that the Schools, Clubs and Youths systems will continue to play a crucial role for the development of the game and all three areas can further enhance standards across the board.

I believe that the club game will grow as we enter an exciting phase across all of the respective competitions where the regulations are in place to enhance to help maximise enjoyment, skill levels and participation. The Leinster Branch will do everything in our power to help back our Club, indeed all of our sections, and I would urge each club/school to use the resources at your disposal be it through marketing, promotion, ground development or coaching to help your teams grow.

It was heartening to see thousands of young players avail of the discount ticketing for Leinster games in both the league and cup through the ‘One Province’ initiative and we

hope for increased numbers across the board once more this year.

The Evening Herald weekly supplement, with a readership of over 300,000, is a valuable tool at the Leinster community’s disposal and I would urge each Public Relations Officer to avail of the opportunity to promote the great work being done in your club and across the community.

I look forward to renewing acquaintances with my friends in Blackrock and I would like to extend my best wishes to your President Tony Amoroso, Chairman Frank O’Riordan, Secretary Robert Dobbyn, Vice-President John Smyth, Coach Ben Manion and indeed all the coaches and players the best of luck for the season ahead.

In conclusion I want to wish you every success across the many other competitions in which Blackrock – who celebrates its 50th anniversary of residence in Stradbrook this year - will participate this season. Most importantly of all I wish you every success in the continued development of your Club.

Ben Gormley President of the Leinster Branch

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Message from

Ellvena Graham, Chief Operating Officer, Ulster Bank With the 2011/2012 Ulster Bank League providing nail-biting entertainment, displays from potential future internationals and a climax no one predicted, that time of year for new beginnings is here once again. Welcoming new members, plotting new tactics and renewing hopes and dreams – this is an exciting time for clubs across the country.

Rugby is enjoying increasing popularity with the recent success of our national and provincial sides. However, where would Irish rugby be without the dedication shown in rugby clubs the length and breadth of the country? Irish rugby clubs are the backbone of Irish rugby.

From underage to first-team players, hundreds of coaches pledge years to the development of players – players that will bring pride and togetherness to their community and clubs.

This is Ulster Bank’s third season as the Official Community Rugby Partner to the IRFU, a partnership which includes title sponsorship of the League and of the Irish Club International team.

As part of our ongoing commitment to communities across Ireland and our understanding that rugby clubs are the foundations of Irish rugby, we created a club volunteer initiative called ‘Ulster Bank RugbyForce’. The programme, which coincides with our overall sponsorship, is designed to provide rugby clubs with support to renovate and upgrade their facilities as well as unite club members and local volunteers.

105 clubs from all over the country entered the 2011 / 2012 initiative. Four lucky clubs were awarded €5,000 worth of goods and resources.

The four winning clubs (Newbridge RFC, Killarney RFC, Ballyhaunis RFC and Donaghdee RFC) took part in the recent Ulster Bank RugbyForce Winning Weekends, which brought entire communities together to spend the day renovating their club’s facilities. See ulsterbank. com/rugby for more details and look out for your chance to enter your club in this season’s Ulster Bank RugbyForce programme.

I speak for everyone at Ulster Bank when I say, we are all excited about the 2012 / 2013 season and I’d like to wish all teams the very best of luck.

Ellvena Graham, Chief Operating Officer, Ulster Bank.

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We wish

Blackrock College RFC every success for the Coming Season 78-80 Upper Drumcondra Road, Dublin 9.

Tel: (01) 836 0621 (10 lines) Fax: (01) 837 5195

U 21’s Coach’s Message 2012/13 Well to say the 2011/12 season was challenging is an understatement, but realistically the U21’s only reflected the difficulty the club experienced across all teams.

nately despite an opportunity to win or draw the match in the last couple of minutes Lansdowne hung onto a three point lead to defeat an outstanding Rock team 34-31.

What started off as a promising season with 55 U.21 players and two teams saw numbers dwindle swiftly resulting in the Pennants team having to be withdrawn from the competition mid season.

Much credit must be given to U.21 Captain Feidhlim O’Reilly and Vice Captain Job Langbroek, who always lead from the front and credit must also be given to Peter McCague, Tyrone Moran and Marcus Walsh who at times were playing AIL Saturday and backing up for the U.21’s on Sunday.

On the positive plenty of U.21 players gained experience playing for the senior team with Tyrone Moran, Max Connelly, Gav Brennan, Job Langbroek, Marcus Walsh, Peter McCague, Conor McEllin, Richie Marsh, Dylan Simmonds, Ian Byrne, Gary Hoban and Richard Liddy showing the clubs future is in good hands in years to come.

Once again a big thanks to the Chairmen of the U.21’s Freddie Connelly, Manager Mark Fallon, Bagmen Enda Norton and Dave Brennan, Physio Paul Lambe and coaches Simon Rogan and Colin Coyle for their tireless work for the U.21’s and commitment to the club.

Patience certainly was a virtue for all involved in the U.21’s during the first half of the season, however like they say good things come to those that wait and the New Year saw a change in attitude and belief from the players. Some quality league victories in the second half of the season saw the team going into the McCorry Cup competition full of confidence and this certainly came to fruition when they caused probably the biggest upset of the season beating All Ireland finalists Old Belvedere at Anglesea Road 1517 in the second round of the Cup. This victory set up a repeat of the previous years McCorry Cup semifinal against Lansdowne. Unfortu-

Several players were recognised at the end of season awards and congratulations to Sam Cooke - Premier Player of the Year, Job Langbroek - Pennants Player of the Year and Peter McCague, who was awarded the Rosa Kelly Trophy.

As the start 2012/13 season approaches the U.21 structure is in good shape with Coaching, Management, Medical and Player Support staff in place and rearing to go. The Premier coaches are myself and Simon Rogan and Pennants John Colclough and Richie Ivers. In addition the club has been actively recruiting in most South Dublin schools and feeder clubs and we are hopeful of having a great squad of players made up of returning players from the 2011/12 season and new players joining the club.

A highlight for the season ahead is the club celebrating 50 years at Stradbrook and the return of the Castle Trophy; which will see the U.21’s playing against all of the Leinster and Munster teams that qualified for the All Irelands, plus an Ulster team to be invited.

We are all looking forward to the season ahead.

John Fairley U.21 Head Coach 15

Stradbrook through the Years in Pictures

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Junior Rugby Bla

ckrock College R

After the 2011/2012 season it is safe to say Junior Rugby in Blackrock College is alive and well. We had a very successful season fielding 2 teams at J3 and J4 level in the league and cup, and also the annual J5 Phil Elliot Guilfoyle Cup team.

The squad coached by Ross Mc Cormack and Alex Creavin remained competitive all year.

Training was twice a week with over 70 players fielded between the two teams .Although we lost some players through injury and travelling the numbers continued to grow all year. Towards the end of the season we were delighted to welcome some of the U21 Pennant players to the squad.

Both J3 and J 4 teams had respectable league campaigns with the J4 going on 4 match

FC

unbeaten run. The cup campaigns proved elusive again, however the consistent Phil Elliot 15 saved the day winning the Guilfoyle Cup for a second season in a row. Congratulations to all involved.

Special mention must go to Arthur Fitzpatrick, Stuart Creavin, Phil Elliot and Freddie Connolly for all their help and assistance with the squad over the year.

The 2012/2013 season is shaping up well with huge interest being expressed already. We have many guys returning from overseas and back from other clubs so the tide is turning. We are hoping to build on last year’s progress and encourage anyone who is interested to come down and join us for some good social Rugby.

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Rock Ladies are Importing This Year!!

With all the talk of people emigrating to richer lands the ladies team have actually found some foreign imports in these lands…Over the summer the girls have been busy recruiting to attempt to replace the inevitable injuries/attempted retirees from last season and with training about to begin the emails are busy with new recruits looking for info on training times and games. Blackrock Women’s team has a fine reputation in all of the Women’s competitions in Ireland and has won both the All Ireland Cup and League in the last 10 years, not to mention their All Ireland 7s triumph at the end of last season. Stay tuned fellow members!

The coaching staff includes Tania Rosser who has won every accolade in the Women’s game in this country; as well as 49 caps for Ireland before turning her hand to coaching. She has the ability to improve every individual players’ skill set no matter what their level- all new players could possibly need is interest and drive and Tania will supply the finishing touches to make a good player into a great player. Assisting her in coaching the ladies and streamlining the forwards into a dynamic pack is new player to the club Colin Philips.

They will have a job on their hands as the ladies have got an exceptional history of contributing players to Leinster and Leinster U21- having the largest number of Provincial Representatives of all the clubs in Leinster. There is also a great history of players representing their country from the Blackrock Women’s team with in excess of 25 players going forward to bring the Blackrock colours to the International changing room.

Of late the team has contributed to the newly formed national Seven’s team who successfully qualified for the World Cup in 2013, Amy Davis & Shannon Houston were heavily involved in this team with Michelle Claffey, Tammy Breen and Mel Morey also called into the extended squad. Blackrock holds the All Ireland Club title for 2012 and on foot of winning that competition travelled alongside the Irish squad to Amsterdam to play in the open International competition there.

Despite all the achievements of the club and club players to date the ethos of the club has remained exactly as it was when it started, every player is trained to achieve their peak performance, every season matches are won and lost and performances are rewarded and mistakes are forgotten (unless they are very funny- in which case they are also rewarded) and tries are scored, line outs and scrums planned and executed, backs’ moves are imagined, invented and implemented but overall the most important part to the club itself has always been that each player gets something out of each session and that each game everyone gives it their best.

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Stradbrook through the Years in Pictures

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Message from the Chairman ugby, R h t u o Y & i in M of Blackrock College Rugby Football Club The ethos of Mini Rugby is to foster and develop young players (boys & girls) of all ability in the game of rugby in a safe, enjoyable environment through activities which ensure progressive skill development for all participants in line with the IRFU Long Term Player Development pathway, Child Welfare Policy and Traditions of Rugby Union Mini and Youth Rugby is so crucial to the success of the game here in Ireland including our very own club at Stradbrook as well as every other club in the country. Our goal for Mini Rugby is not to just turn up week in week out, but to focus on delivering the Mini Rugby strategy for our Rugby playing kids and to ensure the success of the game and subsequent results we achieve in the long term (a World Cup would be a nice to have for us) I strongly believe that if we all, as Coaches and Parents of Rugby playing kids, take equal responsibility week in week out to deliver on the IRFU strategy, take the necessary coaches training and continue to support our kids then we will soon be on a path to more Irish successes at all age groups.

Mini Rugby is focused in developing each player during his or her time from U6’s (Leprechaun Rugby), through under 7/8 (Stage 1), through U9/10 (Stage 2), through U11/12 (Stage 3) right through Youth Rugby until eventually our players can tog out for our local clubs and possibly at provincial and national level.

We are on a great journey within Mini Rugby in Ireland and the number of players and training courses, blitz’s, rugby functions, tours etc associated with the Mini and Youth Rugby in Ireland is increasing drastically year on year. This 24

keeps the positive progress at Mini Rugby going and all can take full ownership for its success.

I welcome all playing and non-playing Mini and Youth representatives, the players and parents, to the September Rugby Festival at Stradbrook and sincerely hope you enjoy the rugby, the camaraderie, and all the fun events that will be on offer.

Finally this Rugby Festival is not just special to Rugby but also special to Eric O’Connor, who although cannot be with us here today will watch down from the heavens when his favourite club (Blackrock College) take on other Clubs for the Eric O’Connor Cup. This cup is in memory of Eric, who was one of very own Under 11 Mini Rugby players, and will be played for on Sunday 23rd September.

You are all very welcome.

Sincerely David van Zuydam Chairman, Blackrock College Mini and Youth Rugby, Blackrock College Rugby Football Club

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– 2012 7 5 9 1 s r e p ip T The Love them. Loathe them. Or just tolerate them.

It would appear they are here to stay.

Surely one of the longest running weekly events in Blackrock College – The Friday Night Tippers now enter their 55th year in existence. With participants ranging in age from early 30’s to 83 ( yes that does read 83 ) this activity has kept the competitive spirit alive in the hearts of many ex-players over the years.

Now an integral part of club activity, Friday night Tip is still the weeks highlight for many former players. It gives them a opportunity to get away from the “War Office”, run around like headless chickens for an hour then sup on expertly pulled pints for the rest of the night. All the trappings of a great night.

who are the main offenders. So petrified are they of being “ smoked” on the outside by a 70 or even 80 year old that they resort to this most heinous of all tactics rather than face the inevitable lifetime of ribbing.

A whole kaleidoscope of differing personalities and opinions partake which makes Friday night Tip part comedy, part drama and part Shakespearean tragedy.

As per rugby tradition past and present – What happens on the pitch stays on the pitch and again as per rugby tradition post Tip pints are essential to unwind and discuss “Man Matters”.

Over the years many arguments have ensued because of the infamous “ Ghost Tip “ - allegedly invented by the late great Louis Hoffman. Some arguments have been known to escalate to such an extent that it made the pitch more resemble Madison Square Garden than Blackrock College. Rational thinking would assume that the older fellas , J Thomas, C Mc Kenna, P Moran, are more guilty of the “Ghost Tip“ whereas it is actually the younger chaps

The annual St Stephens day “Turkey Trot“ is always a highlight of the year and is always very well attended. So much so that St Johns Ambulance needs to be in attendance due to insurance concerns, as the large number of “once a year “players“ make it more concerning that somebody might have a “ bad turn” on the pitch. Thankfully there have been no fatalities as of this writing.

New blood is always welcome for Friday night Tip but new participants be warned that a thick skin is more important than killer side step. One need’s to just turn up on Friday nights around 7.45pm and follow the smell of unwashed gear to the Tippers changing room.

The Tippers would like to wish all the Rock teams the very best for the 2012-2013 season.

Jim Thomas.

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s Purchase of land at Stradbrook Letter written by Paddy Gateley to Sean Redmond, Club Member, in 2002.

“May Myserscough and I were married in August 1947 in the Church of the Assumption, Booterstown Avenue and lived in an Apartment on Mt. Merrion Avenue until 1949, when we bought a House on Rochestown Avenue - “The Hills”. Rochestown Avenue was a Country Road with very few Houses – 3 two storey houses, 5 bungalows and the Seadors Hospital.

In 1962 we had a Family of two Daughters, a Pony , two Dogs and ¾ an acre of land. My wife was anxious to get a second Pony, which would mean more land. She asked me to look at “Somerset”,Stradbrook – 8.1 acres and an Edwardian House, which was coming up for Auction. I did and bought the House and Lands for £14,000.

The then President , Frank Hogan, told Blackrock College that I bought it for the Rugby Club, and they were very pleased as Fr. Walter Finn had said that they would have put the Rugby Club out, as space in the College was getting less each year for the Club Teams to play there.

Now I was on the Management Committee of the Rugby Club and was asked to go the Hibernian Bank and arrange an overdraft for £20,000, which I did, and the Title Deeds were given to the Club

by Corrigans, Solicitors. A tremendous lot of activity followed – Ned Sheehy set about laying the Pitch, Mick O’Dea did Planning Applications for the Bar and a new Boundary Wall. Cecil Buggy, with Neil Connolly arranged for a dividing (internal) Wall to be removed and hoists installed for the new Bar, to bring stock up from the cellar. Bob Humphreys secured an intoxicating liquor licence .

Walter Finn suggested that a shed or barn be got for Dances to produce Cash. I knew Louis Wine fairly well and knew they were building a new Clubhouse in Edmonstown Golf Club, so I went along one Sunday to meet him and the Captain. They wanted £2,000 for their old tin Clubhouse structure, and I offered £750. After a lot of haggling I bought the Nissan Hut for £1,150. On the Monday following Mr. Noyek rang me to say he had presented the maple floor to Edmonstown, but that he would replace it for our structure.. I rang Neil Connolly immediately and he sent a squad of men to take it down and packed it off to Stradbrook. Mick O’Dea got the foundation in and 2 weeks later we had a Ballroom, with maple floor and a few extras. It was a good deal as we made £9,000 in the first year of Dances.

In the meantime a Belvederian Felix Jones, Architect, and Cecil Buggy, Engineer, had started to build the Dressing Rooms ( previously we togged out in the Kitchen of the House, but only for a short time). Harry Kenny, who looked after the Seconds, promoted an extension, raised the money and we put up the Bar looking out to the Pitch. We were flying, but unfortunately the Bar was badly managed, so Gussy Weldon and myself put in controls and promoted the paying of a Manager.

In 1966 there was a lot of activity on week-ends, but it was like a morgue from Monday to Friday.

Harry Devine, Secretary of the Past Pupils Union, suggested a Bridge match between Parents of Rugby Club Players and Members and a Union Team. It was a great Social Night and afterwards it was suggested that a Bridge Club be started. The Blackrock College Bridge Club started in January 1967 and has flourished since then.”

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Paddy Gateley, President of the Rugby Club in 1972/73 and Life Honorary Member, died in March 2011.

Purchase of land

s at Stradbrook

The Bottom Pitches After the purchase of Stradbrook, House and Pitch, in 1962, the Club availed of the opportunity to rent an adjoining 5 acres for the Junior Teams. The Club secured a Sporting Lease at £1500 per annum. The Land was owned by a Tom Braden, who lived in Howth.

Successive Executive Committees thought it highly desirable to obtain the Freehold on the Property in order to preserve the Club’s positioning in the long term. In 1978 Niall Quinn became Club President, with Victor Brophy as Vice-President.

Through his position as Manager of the Bank of Ireland Branch in Sutton, Victor came in contact with Tom Braden and he suggested to him a line of action, whereby he would sell his interest in the Property for the sum of £22,000.

The owner was delighted with the proposal as he considered the lands restricted due to the Sporting designation and this was in 1977 when no Land was selling.

Victor brought the proposal to the Executive and, with the support of Niall Quinn, they both met Tom Braden in Dun Laoighaire Golf Club and negotiated the sale of his interests to the Club.

The President Niall Quinn contacted John Corrigan of Morrisseys Auctioneers to act on behalf of the Club. The Deal was arranged for £22,00, and the Executive agreed to proceed after Victor had obtained the Finance from the Bank. The Deal was subject to the following provision – if the Club sold the 5 acres for building within 2 years, Tom Braden would get 50% of the proceeds and this would be scaled down over 5 years.

Due to the determination of Paddy Gateley, Frank Hogan, Neil Connolly, Mick O’Dea, Ned Sheehy, Harry Kenny, Victor Brophy, Niall Quinn and others, we now have 3 of the best Rugby Pitches in the Country.

The original House was knocked down and replaced by the present Clubhouse from 1990, under the Presidencies of Brig.-General Pat Cranfield and Locky Butler.

The lower Pitches were levelled and extended to their present sizes in 2011, during the Presidency of Conor Cleary.

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me m a r g o r P b lu C Hockey Club – 22 Years Going Strong Around 1990, under the Guidance and Encouragement of Fergus Slattery, the Rugby Club started a Veterans Hockey Club Section and has been in operation each Winter for the past 22 Years.

The Blackrock College RFC Hockey Club play against the other Leinster Senior Hockey Clubs from September through to April, using the Floodlight facilities of Railway Union in Sandymount as Home Venue.

Previous Hockey experience is not needed to join up, you just need to be aged 35 or over.

Many former Rugby Players from the Club have played down the Years, including Andy Butler, Bomber Browne, Conor Sparks, Brian McLoughlin, John O’Shea, Ben Underwood, as well as “Slatts”. Another notable player was Dean Oswold.

The Hockey Club has welcomed Members from other Hockey and Rugby Clubs, including Railway Union, YMCA, Mullingar, Wanderers and Old Wesley. Most Weekly matches take place on Wednesdays for 1 hour from 6.30pm. With all

Hockey Pitches now All-weather there are very few cancellations.

The current crop of Rock Hockey players include Jody Walshe, Niall Devine, Larry Behan, Jimmy Allen, Tony Amoroso, Dave Mc Hugh and Paul Gardiner. Recent retirees, probably from old Rugby War Wounds, include Niall and Dave Ringrose , Jim Graham, as well founder Fergus Slattery.

Wanderers Rugby Club are currently represented by Neil Metchette, current Captain, Stuart Kirk, Alan Brownlee and Andy Whelan, whilst Ian Burns and Alan Lewis have also turned out. Old Wesley RFC have Ernie Porter and Ray Walker in the ranks.

Why not join up and enjoy some good weekly exercise and good fun ? Remember all Veteran Hockey Matches are strictly Friendly Games and you don’t need to have played before.

Your Contacts are Neil Metchette @ 086.2873515 or Fergus Slattery @ 087.2555570

Blackrock College Bridge Club Blackrock College Bridge Club is a very active Club. We have more than 180 current Members, with Competitions held every Monday and Thursday in the Rugby Club. We also hold an Open Team of 4 Competition on the second Monday of each month.

We have a very high standard of Bridge , but also pride ourselves on being a friendly Club.

We organize many Social Events during the year - Golf outing, Theatre evening, Christmas Dinner and party, 3 night Holiday break in early Spring and other Socials.

The late Paddy Gateley, who was instrumental in the purchase of the original “Somerset” House and Grounds at Stradbrook in 1962,was also involved in setting up the Bridge Club. Priority Membership is given to Past Pupils, their Parents and Partners of Past Pupils of Blackrock College.

In recent Years there has been a huge surge in interest in playing Bridge and as a result, this September, for the first time, we are running Bridge Classes for beginners. If you are interested, information is available in the Clubhouse, or you can contact us directly at blackrockcollegebridgeclub@gmail.com. Classes commence on 17th September.

During the Winter months we run a number of major Club Competitions and a few Inter-Club nights with Foxrock and Elm Park Bridge Clubs.

We are fortunate to have a very committed Committee which keeps us very busy.

Nicola Power, Shantelle McCabe, President 2012/2013 Vice-President Mobile: 087.6093877 EMail: nicolapower6@gmail.com 31

Stradbrook through the Years in Pictures

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Message from Brian O’Sullivan Union President Past Pupils On behalf of the Blackrock College Union I would like to wish Club President Tony Amoroso and all the members of Blackrock College every success for the 2012-2013 season. As a frequent visitor to Stradbrook, I know last season was challenging both on and off the pitch, but I am also aware of the great work being done by so many within the club to ensure that Blackrock College remains one of the best and most respected Rugby clubs in Ireland.

The links between the Rugby Club and the Union are very strong. Tony, together with Vice Presidents John Smyth and Robert Dobbyn and Chairman, Frank O’Riordan are all Past Presidents of the Union and our Secretary, Brian O’Neill serves on the Executive Committee and as Secretary to the Mini Rugby committee.

I expect that all that Union experience will be invaluable to the Club in the years ahead and I can confirm that no transfer fees have been sought! The Union also supports the club by making a point of using the Club’s facilities for its functions wherever possible and we have enjoyed many great evenings at Stradbrook over the years.

Unlike the Club, the Union has no debt and does not have to struggle with issues such as competing for spectators with a force like Leinster Rugby. Nonetheless it faces significant challenges in the work it undertakes. It’s Blue and White Fund, set up help former ‘Rock men overcome difficult periods in their lives, is busy dealing with the increased demands caused by the collapse in the Irish economy. The Union is also committed to the support of the College which is facing into more uncertain times on a number of fronts. We are also proud to continue the support of the Spiritan missions through our Mission Fund and, in particular, our commitment alongside the College to the development of the new Spiritan Secondary school in Machakos, Kenya.

Although I am promised a busy year of Union work, I am looking forward to a great season at Stradbrook whether it’s at Union events, watching the Senior team fight its way back to its rightful place in Division 1A or supporting my twin sons as they take their first rugby steps with the Minis!

Brian O’Sullivan, President Past Pupils Union.

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Stradbrook through the Years in Pictures

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Winner Pub of The Year 2011/12 BAR RESTAURANT

DELI OFF LICENCE

’SPORTS THEMED POOL ROOM’ QUALITY FOOD SERVED ALL DAY

DELI OPEN FROM 8am TO 10pm 7 DAYS BEST OF LUCK TO ALL ROCK TEAMS THIS SEASON www.gleesons.ie Tel: 012880236

Appreciation

of

Frank Gleeson The 11th June 2012 saw the passing, after a short illness, of the Legendry Publican Frank Gleeson, Proprietor of Gleesons of Booterstown Pub and Restaurant, and Life Member of Blackrock College Rugby Football Club.

Over the lifetime of Gleesons of Booterstown there have many associations and friendships with both Blackrock College Rugby Club and Blackrock College.

Along with his wife Nora Frank purchased what was then Mary Murphy’s Bar and Shop on Booterstown Avenue in 1954, for the considerable sum of £6,250. Over the intervening years they extended and developed Gleesons, including a pioneering move into Food Sales, into the fine establishment that stands there today.

Frank was held in high esteem by his fellow Publicans, which was typified by Charlie Chawkes remark at his Funeral, that “Gleesons was always the Benchmark when it came to quality Food and Service” Many Blackrock College RFC Officials, Members and Players have enjoyed a close friendship with Gleesons, spanning back to the days when the Club played their Home Matches in Williamstown, on the SCT Pitch and the lower Pitch in Willow Park.

During the 1960’s , to keep staff busy in the mornings , Frank bottled and supplied Guinness to many local Clubs in the area, including Blackrock College RFC, now transferred out to Stradbrook..

Franks sons, John and Ciaran, have owned and run Gleesons since 2008. They brought great pride and joy to Frank on winning the “National Pub of the Year” Title in 2011, after renovating the premises and introducing a Deli/Wine Shop to enhance their business.

Ciaran won both JCT and SCT Medals for his School, Blackrock College, before representing Blackrock College RFC in the late 1980’s/early 1990’s.

It is acknowledged and appreciated that Gleesons have always been proud Sponsors and Supporters of Blackrock College Rugby Club.

Frank Gleeson shall be fondly remembered and missed by one and all.

May he Rest in Peace.

39

BCRFC Forthcoming Social Events iaries D r u o y r o f s e t a D EVENT

DATE

COORDINATOR

Recruitment Day Tag/BBQ

Sat Sept 1st

J O’ Leary/S Creavin

POETS Lunch Fitzpatricks Castle Hotel

Fri Sep 28th

F Slattery/ M Jackson/L Macken

French Wine Tasting & Dinner

Fri Oct 5th

John Costigan

Ladies Xmas Dinner

Fri Dec 7th

Mairead Amoroso

Mini Rugby Xmas lunch

Sat 15th Dec

Brian O’ Neill

Main Club Xmas Lunch

Sun Dec 16th

Robert Dobbyn

Past Presidents Dinner

Thu Jan 24th

R. Dobbyn

N. Zealand Wine Tasting/Dinner

Fri Jan 25th

John Costigan

Aviva Dinner (Pre England)

Sat Feb 9th

F. Slattery

New Zeland wine tasting

Fri March 1st

Club Dinner

Fri May 10th

R Dobbyn

Mini end of season BBQ

Sun May 12th

David van Zuydum

Players awards night

Sat May 25th

Michelle Claffe

Wine Tasting and dinner

Fri May 31st

John Costigan

Bar Specials will be available for all games on the 3 TV screens this season

40

AUTUMN INTERNATIONAL SERIES:

6 NATIONS INTERNATIONAL MATCHES:

Irl V. S. Africa Sat 10th Nov @ 17.30 Irl V. Figi Sat 17th Nov @ 17.30 (Thomond Park) Irl V. Argentina Sat Nov 24th @ 3pm

Wales V. Irl Sat 2nd Feb @ 13.30 Irl V. Eng Sun 10th Feb @ 15.00 Sco V. Irl Sun 24th Feb @ 14.00 Irl V. Fra Sat 9th Mar @ 17.00 Italy V Irl Sat 16th Mar @ 15.30

Keep an eye out for each Team’s fundraising events planned throughout this season

Best Wishes to Blackrock College RFC P.D. Gardiner & Co. Solicitors 77 Sir John Rogerson’s Quay, Dublin 2 Tel: +353-1-6766 350 Fax: +353-1-6767 827 Email: dg@pdgsolicitors.com

“Lest we Forget”…..

As we celebrate 50 Years in Stradbrook we remember those who played their part in forging the many memories and friendships gathered over the last half Century Locky Butler, Joe Boyle, Terry Byrne, Ned Burke, Neil Connolly, Mick Coleman, Conor Coakley, Frank Connolly, Gerry Creedon, AP. Creedon, Phil Crowe, John Churcher, Barney Crosbey, Val Corr, Bryan Duffy, Harry Devine, Fergie Duignan, Mick Doyle, Aidan Dalton, Dave Dowling, Val Demery, Paddy Fitzpatrick, Jerry Fogarty, Antonio Forte, Paddy Flanagan, Tony Farrell, Fr. Walter Finn CSSp, Fr. Pere Fullam CSSp, Sue Garden-Bachop, Paddy Gateley, Maurice Gaynor, Fr. Jerome Godfrey CSSp, Rex Greham, Frank Gleeson, Johnny Hartnett, Larry Heffernan, Bill Hodnett, Frank Hogan, Louis Hoffman, Michael Hutchinson, Don Ivers, Rosa Kelly, Charley Keaveney, Mick Kelly, Brian Kearns, Paddy Kenny, Fr. Brian Kilbride CSSp, Fr. Aidan Lehane CSSp, Brendan Lawlor, Jimmy Long, John McDonnell, Brian McLoughlin, John McGloughlan, Paul McGloughlan, Jim McDonnell, Ski McGovern, Jimmy McMahon, Dave MacSweeney, Charlie McCorry, Niall McConnell, Larry McMahon, Paddy Moore, Sean Morrissey, Bill Murphy, Eamon Myler, Ted Mulligan, Jimmy Mullins, Bill Murphy, Sean Morrison, Maurice Neligan, Paddy O’Beirne, Fr. Michael O’Carroll CSSp, Eric O’Connor, Rory O’Connor, Ronan O’Connor, Dave O’Leary, Mark O’Dea, Fr. Jack O’Donohue CSSp, Dermot O’Neill, PJ O’Dwyer, Jack O’Neill, Eric Pembrey, Shay Power, Esther Pollard, Frank Purcell, Derry Roughan, Tony Ryan, Joe Sadlier, Jimmy Scally, Sheila Scott, Jimmy Smyth, Tony Smyth, Michael Stanford, Fr. Robert Stanley CSSp, Paul Swayne, Kay Turley, Mick Terry, Michael Vaughan, Conal Wilmot, Gus Weldon, Ryan Wheeler.

Please excuse us if we, inadvertently, have omitted anybody else who has passed on having graced Stradbrook with their presence.

42

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Stradbrook through the Years in Pictures

44

45

Articles & Messages

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“Wishing ‘Rock the best for the season” 47

Our varied range of services include outside catering, corporate hospitality, event management, and wedding-party planning

C/o Blackrock Rugby Club, Stradbrook Road, Blackrock, Co.Dublin Tel (01) 2871554 / (01) 6638669 Fax (01) 2871554 Ema타 info@knightscatering.ie Web www.knightscatering.ie

We look forward to hearing from you!

Player of the Year 12 Awards 2011/20 PLAYER

TEAM BACK-UP

1st ‘s

JAN SIMON-BYRNE

GARRY KAVANAGH

J1

STEVE LAMBE

DAVID O’BRIEN

UNDER 21 (PREMIER)

SAM COOKE

JOHN FAIRLEY

UNDER 21 (PENNANT)

JOB LANGBROEK

MARK FALLON

J3

KEITH LUMSDEN

ALEX CREAVIN

J4

JACK KELLY

ROSS MC CORMACK

J5

TREEVOR O’ROURKE

WOMENS

MICHELLE CLAFFEY

MEL MORNEY

49

Stradbrook through the Years in Pictures

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Looking for the perfect venue?

Looking for the perfect venue for your event?

Well, look no further……At Blackrock College RFC we have three function rooms to chose from.

We cater for large or small events. From Birthdays to Christenings and from Meetings to Corporate Events.

Not having a party…..call in and have a drink or a snack from our Lite Bites menu in our recently refurbished bar. Why not consider becoming an Associate Member for only €50 and take advantage of 10% off all beverages at the Bar! Watch your favourite sport on one of our 3 flat screen TV’s!

If you have any questions you can contact Pat our Bar Manager and Club Co-ordinator on….. T - 01 280 5967 M - 087 123 6920 barmanager@blackrockcollegerfc.ie Opening Hours Monday - Thursday 10.30am - 11.30pm Friday & Saturday 10.30am - 12.30am Sunday 10am - 8pm

Blackrock College RFC 53

Stradbrook through the Years in Pictures

54

55

Articles & Messages

6SRUWV *URXQG 0DLQWHQDFH 5HQRYDWLRQV 3LWFK 'HVLJQ &RQVWUXFWLRQ 6\QWKHWLF 6XUIDFHV 0DUNLQJ 0DFKLQHU\ 0DUNLQJ )OXLG *UDVV *UDSKLFV 3LWFK 6LJQDJH

27

Stradbrook through the Years in Pictures

58

59

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