Blackrock RFC Programme 2018/19

Season 2018 / 2019

BEST OF LUCK IN THE SEASON AHEAD FROM YOUR PROUD SPONSOR

AND OUR LOCAL OFFICES BLACKROCK 8 MAIN STREET T: 01 288 0088

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MICHAEL GREHAN MANAGING DIRECTOR 086 257 8771

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DÚN LAOGHAIRE 35 UPPER GEORGES ST T: 01 284 4422

PHILIP SHERRY EXECUTIVE CHAIRMAN 086 256 4214

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Stradbrook Road, Blackrock, Co. Dublin Officers 2018/2019 President Patrick Burke Chairman Declan Carroll Secretary David Brennan Treasurer Pat Finn

Vice- President John Colgan Membership Sec.

Conor Coghlan

Director of Rugby Michael Hearty Chairwoman Mini/Youths Carole Ann Clarke Rugby Club Captain

Job Langbroek

Club Coach

Michael Carroll

Facilities Manager Administrator

Conor Cleary Erin Dalton

Communications Website: www.blackrockcollegerfc.ie Email: info@blackrockcollegerfc.ie Facebook: @blackrockrugby Twitter: @BCRFC Women’s Twitter: @RockLadiesRugby Instagram: @blackrockcollegerfc Women’s Instagram: @rockladiesrugby Weekly Newsletter: In Rock This Week 1

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Message from the President, Patrick Burke This season, as Blackrock College RFC celebrates its 136th Anniversary, it is a tremendous honour and privilege for me to lead this great club and to welcome all the visiting teams, supporters, families and friends.

our sponsors for their continued generosity. The club could not survive without the support we receive through these vital sponsors. I encourage all club members to reciprocate support when possible to our club sponsors.

Last season, our young senior squad battled well and won some very tough games. The bar is now set for us to continue our crusade and strive for promotion. The club is incredibly proud of the multiple individual and team successes that were achieved during the 2017-18 season. Most notably, the Under 13’s double wins, along with the Women’s Plate, and the Thirds runner-up performance. It was fantastic to also see our Rock representatives competing at the highest levels of rugby.

Blackrock College RFC is very much a community club and we welcome all sporting enthusiasts. We are pleased to have Cabinteely FC continue to use Stradbrook for their home matches. I wish the team all the success in their upcoming season.

I extend our best wishes to the Bridge club and it’s President Janet O’Huiginn and I look forward to welcoming all your members during the year.

This is a time of considerable change for rugby in Ireland. While the national team and the provinces have been very successful over the last number of years, club rugby has suffered. However, during these challenging times, our rich sporting history ensures that Blackrock College RFC has a responsibility to shape the future of the rugby environment that we, as a club, can believe in and be proud of. It is our duty as members to reestablish Blackrock College RFC in the top flight of club rugby. My profound hope is that what we build over the next few years, will stand the test of time and will be a fitting testament to our combined vision. I cannot accomplish this alone, so I am counting on your support to achieve the growth and goals of the Five-Year Plan.

A strong membership is fundamental to the success of our club. Our aim is to substantially increase this during the year, I am therefore asking lapsed members to re-join. Details are available on the club website and our membership secretary, Conor Coghlan, will gladly encourage your membership queries.

Fundraising is another vital part for the running of our club. I would like to thank all those most sincerely who have supported us in the past. I ask you to continue your support and I invite all others to attend as many of our events as possible. All our fundraising events are listed in this programme, and I look forward to seeing many of you attend an upcoming club event.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all

Congratulations to John Rogan who has been elected President of the Blackrock College Past Pupils Union. To our Club Patron Father Cormac O’Brolchain and our Pastoral Leader and great friend Father Tom Nash, and College Principal Alan MacGinty, we look forward to seeing you all in the club over the season. I would also like to thank last year’s President, James Scott-Lennon, along with past Honorary Secretary, John Cranfield, for their tremendous efforts. To this year’s executive committee, we have a great year ahead of us!

To the volunteers who work tirelessly, I cannot thank you enough. I encourage all others to step forward and help the few who do so much.

To our head coach, Michael Carroll, and our extended team of coaches, captains, managers and players from the minis to the seniors, I extend the club’s thanks and gratitude for your continual commitment and overwhelming dedication. I would also like to extend the warmest of welcomes to all new members, parents, supporters, and visitors to the club, particularly Philip Doyle as head coach of the women’s squad. I wish you all the very best of rugby and look forward to the season ahead.

Pappy Burke 3

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Message from the Club Captain Job Langbroek I would like to extend a very warm welcome to all visitors and members of Blackrock College RFC, a club with a great community of supporters and a rich history of rugby. I would especially like to thank Peter McCague for leading the club as captain over the past two seasons, his great determination on and off the pitch was an example for us all, and I hope to maintain his strong leadership.

After a summer of hard training and intense recruitment the squad is in a good position to achieve our aim of promotion into Division 1B. The club has made several strategic signings that will strengthen the team in key areas of the pitch. Furthermore, this is our second-year training under head coach Michael Carroll and his management team. This extra time together should benefit us greatly next season.

I would like to wish everyone from our youngest mini rugby players to our various seniors teams

the very best of luck this season. I’m sure all will do their best to maintain and extend Stradbrook’s Rugby traditions and success.

The day to day running of the club would not be possible without the financial backing of our Sponsors. I would like to offer a sincere thank you to all who have offered their support.

I would like to extend my best wishes to our incoming President, Patrick Burke, and assure him that the playing community in the club will do our best to make his year memorable.

I would also like to sincerely thank James Scott Lennon, our outgoing President, for his efforts over the past year.

I also want to thank all our coaches, managers, committee members and ground staff for offering your time to the club and wish you the best of luck in the upcoming season.

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Message from the Club Coach Michael Carroll To the visiting teams, management and supporters I am very happy to welcome you once again to Stradbrook for the All Ireland League 2018/19 season.

To the four new teams joining us in Division 2A it is a pleasure to welcome you also, as we look forward to re-kindling some great rivalries from years gone by.

It is testament to all of the teams involved in last year’s title race that so much was left to be decided on the final weekend of play and I expect no different from this year’s competition.

Having only guaranteed our own Division 2A status on the final weekend, we are fully aware of what lies ahead over the coming months.

On that note, I would like to acknowledge the resilience and dogged attitude shown from all of the ‘Rock players involved in the later end of last season. The grit and determination shown will, no doubt, stand to each one of you in this year’s campaign. Strength in depth is key to

a successful campaign and with the welcome addition of some new faces, along with the strong group of players graduating from the U20’s programme, I am confident that this year’s senior rugby squad will be stronger than ever.

With re-structuring in the back of everyone’s mind we have also revised our internal rugby structure for the year ahead and I want to thank all of those who have bought into this new approach to modern-day club rugby. To Richie and his team at 20’s, Fago at Junior rugby level, Goose and the ladies along with our minis and youths squads – I wish you all the best of luck for the season ahead.

Finally to our supporters, on behalf of all players and management within the club, thank you for the continuous encouragement both on and off the field.

Regards, Michael Carroll

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Message to Blackrock College RFC from Ian McIlrath, President, IRFU, 2018-’19

It is my privilege as President of the Irish Rugby Football Union to extend my best wishes to Blackrock College RFC for the 2018-’19 season.

I wish all teams and supporters every enjoyment and success throughout the season and offer special good wishes to Patrick Burke for his season as club President.

I am aware that, as I write, discussions are being held regarding the future of the AIL and it is as yet uncertain what the format will be for 2019/2020.

Since its introduction in 1990/91 it has been the primary inter-club competition in Irish rugby and year on year its significance is evidenced by the substantial number of talented players who progress to Provincial and National sides as a consequence of having showcased their talents on club pitches throughout the campaign.

This recognition of talent, while creating some short term issues for clubs, also creates a pride and a ‘feel good’ factor within for those who 8

have coached and encouraged these players, often from Mini Rugby days.

Such is in keeping with the wishes of the IRFU who are committed in their resolve to have in place a healthy club and grass roots environment across the Island of Ireland.

I will continue to be an advocate for clubs and for those within them who work tirelessly and largely without recognition, towards the personal and rugby development of young men and women, boys and girls.

On behalf of my Union colleagues I thank all club volunteers for their loyal and much appreciated support.

We are hugely indebted to you.

Enjoy the season.

Best wishes.

Ian McIlrath President – IRFU.

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Message from Lorcan Balfe, Leinster Branch President As President of Leinster Rugby I am delighted to have this opportunity to write a few lines for your yearbook for the 2018/19 season. I would like to start by congratulating your President, Patrick Burke on his appointment and wish him, along with your Club captain Job Langbroek, and everyone associated with Blackrock College RFC every success for the year ahead.

Last season your first team maintained its position in Section 2A of the Ulster Bank AIL with a solid showing while Blackrock College achieved a great double, winning the Bank of Ireland Leinster Rugby Schools Senior and Junior Cups. In addition your 3rd XV finished Runners Up in the Metro Division 3 (Jack Dawson Cup), while your Under 13 had a great year winning both the Schools / Youths League and Cup. I hope all your teams will be inspired by their success this season.

The backbone of every club is its members.

Whether player, manager, coach, club official, social member or club follower, please support your club in every way possible this season. All clubs need an army of volunteers – club officials and co-ordinators, players and coaches, bagmen and a host of unseen workers who ensure that the club functions week to week. I commend you all for your work and dedication to this club. As the Irish proverb goes “Ní neart go chur le chéile” – there is strength in unity. Please do your part to maintain the development of your club.

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Rugby is primarily a players’ game and I would like to encourage all players to continue playing as long as possible. There will be many years ahead when you can no longer don jersey and boots and represent your club! If you are nearing the end of your career – play for another season. If you have just finished as an U20, integrate into the rest of the club by playing at whatever level. You will enjoy the fun, spirit and camaraderie of the best team sport in the world. Finally if your playing days are over, for whatever reason, please consider taking up the whistle. As the numbers playing our game has grown greatly in Leinster, we need more Referees

to facilitate the playing of so many matches week by week. The ARLB, under President Bryan O’Neill will be delighted to provide you with training and mentoring and allow you to develop as a Referee.

I would like to commend your Leinster Rugby representative Declan Gardner, for his contribution to the Leinster Executive Committee and the Academy Board. Declan will sit on the Leinster Professional Game Board this season and I know he will bring the same level of expertise and commitment to his new role as he has displayed in the past in both Blackrock College RFC and Leinster Rugby. I would also like to thank Ben Underwood for his Chairmanship of the Leinster Grounds and Offices Sub-Committee over many years. Leinster have been well served by these two Blackrock stalwarts.

Respect is one of the key values that differentiates Rugby from other sports. I encourage all players, coaches and supporters to respect our Referees, the opposition and yourselves today and throughout the season. Do all in your power to maintain the good reputation of your club as a welcome club for all.

Leinster Rugby enjoyed a phenomenal year last season, winning both the Heineken Champions Cup and the Guinness PRO14 – a unique double.

So no pressure for this season! I hope to see as many Blackrock members in the RDS Arena, the Aviva Stadium, Energia Park and other venues supporting the Leinster boys again this year.

In conclusion, may I wish you a most enjoyable and fun-filled season.

I look forward to meeting many of you along the way.

Yours in Rugby, Lorcan Balfe, President, Leinster Rugby

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AIL Fixtures 2018/2019 Men’s AIL Fixtures - Division 2A 2018

2019

Saturday 29th September v. Galwegians

Home*

Saturday 6th October v. Nenagh Ormond

Away

Saturday 13th October v. Navan

Away

Saturday 27th October v. U.L.Bohemians

Home*

Saturday 3rd November v. Queens University

Away

Saturday 10th November v. Cashel

Home

Saturday 1st December v. Dolphin

Away

Saturday 8th December v. Old Crescent

Home

Saturday 15th December v. Highfield

Away

Saturday 19th January v. Highfield

Home

Saturday 26th January v. Old Crescent

Away

Saturday 16th February v. Dolphin

Home

Saturday 23rd February v. Cashel

Away

Saturday 2nd March v. Queens University

Home

Saturday 9th March v. U.L.Bohemians

Away

Friday 22nd March v. Navan

Home

Saturday 6th April v. Nenagh Ormond

Home

Saturday 13th April v. Galwegians

Away

All Saturday Kick-offs at 2.30pm Friday 22nd March v. Navan Kick-off at 8pm

Womens AIL Fixtures - Division 1 2018

2019

12

Saturday 29th September v. Galwegians

Home *

Sunday 7th October v. Highfield

Away

Saturday 13th October v. Old Belvedere

Away

Saturday 27th October v. U.L.Bohemians

Home*

Sunday 4th November v. Railway Union

Away

Saturday 17th November v. St. Marys College

Away

Saturday 1st December v. Cooke

Home

Saturday 8th December v. Cooke

Away

Saturday 15th December v. Highfield

Home

Saturday 26th January v. Galwegians

Away

Saturday 9th February v. St. Marys College

Home

Saturday 23rd February v.. Railway Union

Home

Sunday 3rd March v.. U.L.Bohemians

Away

Saturday 23rd March v. Old Belvedere

Home

Saturday Kick-offs at 5pm. Sunday Kick-offs at 1pm * Denotes Double Header Mens and Womens Fixtures.

Senior Squad Players & Management Players: Forwards

Vincent Besson Prop Nickname: Bebb

James Burke No.8 Nickname: Burkey

Joe Byrne Prop Nickname: Joey B

Cian Carroll Prop Nickname: Keeko

Darly Charmant-Dunne Prop Nickname: Big D

John Colclough Backrow Nickname: Cokes

Cillian Daly Backrow Nickname: Dales

Hugh Doyle Lock Nickname: Hughie

Conon Dunne Prop Nickname: Beef

Gary Fenn Lock/Backrow Nickname: Fenner

Dave Fortune Openside Backrow Nickname: Fortune

Alan Francis Backrow Nickname: Franno

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Senior Squad Players & Management Players: Forwards

14

Jack Gardiner Lock Nickname: Gullet

Conor Kilcoyne Hooker Nickname: Reddog

Job Langbroek Backrow Nickname: Jobie

Peter McCague Backrow Nickname: Skips

Stephen McLaughlin Hooker Nickname: Spielberg

Paul Mc Sweeney Prop Nickname: Senior

Mark Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Brien Prop Nickname: Mobster

Andrew Savage Prop Nickname: Sav

Leo Vignon No.8 Nickname: Leo

Mickey Wooliams Lock Nickname: Wolly

Senior Squad Players & Management Players: Backs

Paddy Cowhey Centre/Wing/Fullback Nickname: Powhey

Paul Cullen Outhalf Nickname: Red

Matt Dwan Centre Nickname: Matty D

John Gallagher Wing Nickname: JD

Hugo Godson Treacy Centre Nickname: GT

Adam Larmour Fullback Nickname: Lawnmower

Jake McShane Centre Nickname: Chico

Ben Mahon Centre Nickname: Fen

Bryan Mollen Centre / Fullbck Nickname:The Flying Dutchman

Jack O’Carroll Scrumhalf Nickname: Jacko

Michael O’Leary Scrumhalf Nickname: MOL

Killian O’Leary Wing/Fullback Nickname: Killer

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Senior Squad Players & Management Players: Backs

Peter Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Reilly Outhalf Nickname: POR

Peter Quirke Outhalf Nickname: Quirkey

Mark Roche Centre Nickname: Rochey

Position

DOB

Management Name

16

Nickname

Mick Carroll

Head Coach

01/11/1981

Sicko

Niall Morris

Backs Coach

08/08/1988

Woody

Steve Lambe

Skills Coach

27/08/1989

Lamber

Shane Cahill

S&C Coach

30/07/1987

Cahill

Sam Carey

Asst. S&C Coach

16/10/1997

Sammy

Peter Mulrean

Physiotherapist

11/09/1981

Mullers

Mark Fallon

Logistics Manager

The Summer of '69

Flow

Lorcan O'Brien

Manager

02/06/1987

Larry

Shane O'Rourke

Nutritionist

09/12/1990

Shaneo

Rock Thirds Season 2017/2018 The season got underway on a hot Saturday afternoon in late September against a new team to the circuit, the Dublin Dogos. It was a successful start to the campaign with a bonus point victory but as usual our fitness levels weren’t up to the levels we wanted at this stage of the season. As per our captain Andy Quirke “Remember how wrecked we were against the Dogos, at one point I was offside consecutively for 5 mins as the ball was booted end to end”.

The next match against Terenure was a hard fought 25-18 home win. However we let it slip against Navan and Seapoint in the following two games, losing by a couple of points in each. The most important win in November was against table toppers Wanderers where we won 23-20 with a last minute kick by Quirky from the half way line, close to touch and into the wind. Before the Christmas break we had a great bonus point away win against Terenure but also had a narrow loss to Belvo.

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As we headed off to enjoy our Christmas dinners we sat in second place in the table to our neighbours down the road Wanderers.

In January and February we had consecutive wins against Navan, Seapoint and Tullamore to hold on to the second place payoff position.

Then came a top of the table clash against a sizeable Wanderers pack away where we went down fighting 17 -10. With only one more league game left against Belvo we knew that a win guaranteed us a place in the final against Wanderers and of course we delivered the win in dramatic circumstances at home 27 -24. In the league final away to Wanderers on March 25th we gave our all, narrowly losing 13 -11 with a try of the season from our winger Ben Ingram. Back to back league titles was just out of our grasp but we will all be back again next season to give it another go!

Fago

Rock Thirds Season 2017/2018

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Womens Rugby

The Blackrock Ladies come back from the 2017 - 2018 season hungry for more after claiming an All Ireland Plate and finishing fifth in the All Ireland League.

the coaching set-up looking after the ladies’ strength and conditioning, while Peter Mulrean will be on hand with tape, torture and therapy sessions as team physio.

Retaining the majority of last year’s squad, and the addition of six promising players joining the ranks thanks to the newly established mentorship programme, the momentum in fast building as the ladies have collectively set their sights on a move up the AIL ladder in the upcoming 2018 season.

Success in Stradbrook, hasn’t gone unnoticed, and an impressive eleven Blackrock ladies have been selected to represent BCRFC on a larger stage over the past year.

A revamped Coaching panel will see the women put through their paces by 2013 Irish Women’s Grand Slam winning coach, Philip “Goose” Doyle. Goose, will be joined by Joseph Halpin who returns after a successful first season with the forwards last year. Niamh Fitzgerald, who brings Interprovincial playing expertise, joins 20

Katie Fitzhenry and Kathy Baker were both part of the 7’s World Cup squad that saw the Irish Women achieve their best result to date, with an impressive sixth place finish in San Francisco.

Captain Michelle Claffey made her Irish debut in Donnybrook this spring against Italy in this year’s Women’s Six Nations, going on to win 3 more caps in the green jersey.

Womens Rugby Blackrock women will reap the home pitch advantage having been named to the 2018 Leinster Women panel. Congratulations to Michelle Claffey, Eimear Corri, Niamh Griffin, Ray Lawless, Jeamie Deacon, Hannah O’Connor, Mairead Holohan and Ann- Marie Rooney. The girls will meet one of our newest recruits, Ellen Taite, the following weekend when they travel to Connacht for their second match.

Meanwhile, outhalf Tania Rosser played her part in making Women’s Rugby history, being named to the first ever Women’s Barbarians squad winning their debut outing 19 -0 last November in Thomond Park.

Looking ahead, Women’s action will kick off this season in Stradbrook with an Interprovincial clash when the Leinster Women take on their

provincial counterparts from Ulster. With earlier fixtures than usual, this year’s opener will kick off 31st August. BCRFC will play host to the women in blue and we hope to have a full side of Rock supporters cheering them on. Eight

With a rock- solid platform set from 2017, the Blackrock Ladies look forward to tackling the 2018 - 2019 season with a double header alongside the Men’s firsts against Galwegians on 29th September (Women KO 17.00). The women would also like to extend many thanks to our fantastic sponsor, Pinergy who have shown unrivalled energy and passion for the growth of the Women’s game – and their continued support for the Blackrock ladies in the upcoming season.

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Women’s Squad: Players & Management Management Position

Name

Head Coach

Philip “Goose” Doyle

Forwards Coach

Joe Halpin

S&C/Skills Coach

Niamh Fitzgerald

Backs Coach

Aoife Tyrell and Tania Rosser

Manager

Jen Moore

Logistics Manager

Dave ”Disco” Brennan

Players: Forwards

22

Judy Bobbett Lock

Aoife Browne Back row Brownie

Jenni Burke Lock Jenni B

Mairead Cochlain Flanker

Mary Crehan Prop

Alix Doyle Second Row Giraffe

Lena Fitzsimons Lock

Mairéad Holohan Lock Mollie

Women’s Squad: Players & Management Players: Forwards

Grace Kelly Back row

Joanna Mahon Tight head prop Jo

Manuaela McCarthy Hooker/prop/flanker Nini

Tess Meade Back row

Caoimhe Molloy Front row Smiley/Caoimhy

Rose Alice Murphy Front row

Meadhbh O’Callaghan Loose head prop

Hannah O’Connor No. 8 Hans

Ríana Roche Flanker/No. 8 Rí/Riri

Ann-Marie Rooney Front row Rooney

María José Samper Egea Flanker Maria

Michelle Zurowski Flanker Shell

23

Women’s Squad: Players & Management Kathy Baker Centre/wing

Players: Backs

24

Natasja Behan Centre/Full back Tash

Alannah Byrne Wing Lans

Michelle Claffey Centre/out half Claff

Alison Coleman Full Back/Wing Ali/Crusher Coleman

Eimear Corri Winger Corri

Jeamie Deacon Centre

Laura Delaney Scrum half Nugget

Meabh Donohue Full back

Katie Fitzhenry Centre

Niamh Griffin Scrum half Griff

Ray Lawless Winger Razor

Adele Leogue Centre Del

Not Pictured:

Ellen Taite Sarah McGlinchey

Full back/out half Wing

Tayto

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Message from our Club Chairman Declan Carroll “Our Club-Our Future” Dear Colleagues, It is a great Honour for me to Welcome you all to our Club for the 2018/19 Season.I would like to wish our President,Patrick Burke and all our Coaches and Players great success and most importantly great enjoyment in the year ahead.

I am delighted that this year sees a very welcome increase in player numbers,all of who I believe will be shown strong leadership by our new Club Captain,Job Langbroek. Our clear focus for the Future is the development and support of our Rugby programme.

I am also delighted that the Club members have elected a very positive and enthusiastic Executive who are all completely committed to our new Club Strategic Plan called “Our Club-Our Future”.

We see progress in all areas of our Development Strategy under the headings: Rugby, Finance, Grounds and Infrastructure, Sponsorship and Fundraising, Membership and Community and Communications. We are now confident that we have an excellent development plan that satisfies all requirements of all interested parties in Our Club.

Major works throughout the year,saw the completion of our new Showers and Physio Centre,which have been dedicated to the memory of a Great Club Colleague, Barry O’ Keeffe.Other works focussed on the painting of our toilets, and recoating the Club roof.

Your Executive is committed to the development of Our Club to ensure the enjoyment of all members and Players from Minis through Youths,Juniors,Ladies and Seniors.We have a clear detailed development plan.We invite you to come along with us,get involved and Enjoy.

As always at the start of the season I have to ask of you the following: 1. Call for Volunteers:we need 60 volunteers every year to run this Club well.

Please consider getting involved-We need you.

2 Call for Sponsorship-The Life blood of all Clubs,please try to elicit financial support,from friends and Commercial contacts.Every cent is precious 3.

On behalf of all our members,I would like to thank Conor,and his team for their great work in maintaining our pitches to such a high standard.

Cabinteely FC continue a ground sharing arrangement with us and have made a major contribution to the standard of our pitches.We wish their Players and Managememt continued success in their current season.

We kindly ask you all to lend your support to our fundraising activities especially our All Blacks dinner this year in the Mansion House.

Good Luck to All our Players for the coming Season. Looking forward to seeing you all down the Club soon.

Declan Carroll Chairman 27

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Executive Committee 2018/2019

01

05

09

02

03

06

07

11

10

04

08

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Photos courtesy of Rock Photography

01. Declan Carroll Chairman 02. Patrick Burke President 03. Pat Finn Treasurer 04. Dave Brennan Secretary

05. John Colgan Vice President

09. Mike Conn 10. James Scott-Lennon

06. Michael Hearty 11. David Boyd 07. Mary Crehan 12. Conor Coghlan 08. Glen Bradley

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Message from the Director of Rugby Welcome to Blackrock College R.F.C. and Stradbrook As a visitor whether you are playing, coaching or just spectating we hope you enjoy your time here and see some entertaining rugby. As a member of Rock as a player or other I hope you reach your goals both personally and collectively on & off the pitch this season The season 2018/2019 is an important one in the history of club rugby in Ireland with proposed changes to the structure of the All Ireland League being proposed currently by the IRFU. We hope any changes that do eventually materialise will be fair for all clubs in Ireland and uphold the traditions and history of these clubs!

Best of luck to all for the season ahead, Mick Hearty Director of Rugby

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Under 20’s Report and Update eventual winners for large periods of the game.

In total, 41 players played for the Under 20 side over the course of the season, with an impressive 9 players representing our Senior AIL side in 2A and Leinster League respectively, while our very own Alan Francis was also selected to represent Leinster U19’s vs Japan in March, and subsequently has made the Leinster U20 squad for this season.

The 2017/18 season began with great optimism with a new coaching team at the helm, record numbers at training, and an impressive preseason victory over Cork Constitution on the road. The team once again managed to qualify for the JP Fanagan Premier 1 League. However, as last seasons All Ireland series demonstrated, with all four of the semi- finalists being from Leinster for the second year running, this makes the Premier 1 a very difficult competition.

A huge amount of praise must go to all those who contributed tirelessly both on and off the field towards the successful running of the team. In particular our Director of Rugby Mick Hearty, Head Coach Richie Allen, Assistant Coaches Luke Hickey and Mark Roche, and last but not the least our extensive backroom team of managers Dermot Laide and Simon Rogan, technical consultant Declan Smyth, and bagmen Enda Norton and Ciaran Daly.

Let’s hope the 2018/2019 season will bring continued success, and another step closer to the elusive top 4.

In all the team played 14 games in the league finishing a very respectable 6th and achieving notable doubles over St. Mary’s and reigning All Ireland Champions Navan. In the McCorry Cup, we lost in the Quarter Final to UCD 26-12 in The Bowl.

Although it was a tough end to our season, it highlighted our potential as a side as we went toe-to-toe with the 37

Minis & Youths 2017 / 2018

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Minis & Youths 2017 / 2018

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A Message from the President of the Blackrock College Union Another memorable occasion was my selection on the “Squirrel’s” team to tour Scotland in 1992. When you tour with characters like Nudge, Bonner (who could have played for Ireland according to Dave O’Leary), Rollers, Fryer, Hazard, DJ, Jimmy McMahon and Derek Behan to name a few, you know you were going to learn a few things. I would like to especially remember our good “Squirrel” friend, Declan Markey who sadly passed away a few years ago.

To all my fellow Past Pupil’s, I would ask you all, where possible, to support OUR Club in a supportive or financial manner. I would encourage you all to make an effort to support the teams on match days and use the club facilities. To the younger Past Pupil’s I would urge you to join and play with the Club, so you too, can create your own great memories and friendship over the coming years.

On behalf of the Blackrock College Union I would like to wish President Pappy and his executive team, all the players and the coaches of Blackrock College RFC every success for the 2018/19 season.

I have so many great memories and gained many strong friendship during my playing days in Stradbrook.I was very lucky to have played with one of the great school teams of the ‘80’s and our strong team ethos meant that many of us made the easy decision to play with the Club for the McCorry Cup (U19’s) season. Under the guidance of legendary Joe Mac, the late Terry Byrne and Tommy McNabb we all transitioned to the club rugby in winning style. I am sure we all remember the mentoring of Derry O’Neill off the pitch.

I am delighted that three Past Pupils, and fellow Union Members, Michael Carroll, Niall Morris and Steve Lambe are taking on the responsibility of the coaching and leadership for this season. Best of luck Gentlemen.

To Club Captain Job Langbroek (Jnr) and all the payers players and teams throughout the club, Women’s, Junior, U20’s, Youths and the Minis I wish you every success in the season ahead.

I hope that all your hard work, both on and off the pitch, will be rewarded on the scoreboard.

I look forward to catching up with many of my Stradbrook friends at some of the Union events throughout the year.

Fides et Robur John Rogan (Class of 1989) President Blackrock College Union.

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Blackrock College Bridge Club A message from the President of the Bridge Club The game of Bridge was originally developed in the 1860’s from the card game Whist by the Russians and was first called Biritch. It took an American, Harold Vanderbilt to write a set of rules for the game so that he could play it with his friends on an ocean liner between the United States and England in 1925. And by the 1930’s it was extremely popular. The most popular playing system in Ireland is called the Acol system, and is named after the Acol Bridge Club which at the time was in Acol St in London NW6.

The Blackrock College Bridge Club was founded in 1966 by members of Blackrock College Rugby Club, the ex pupils union, and their wives. The late Paddy Gately was one of the main links between the Bridge Club and the Rugby Club and he was president of the Rugby

Club 1972/73. The members originally played in Somerset House- long since gone. And we’re now in the Hall on Monday and Thursday nights. We still have 2 founding members playing regularly with us, Rena Smithwick and Mary Dillon, after more than 50 yrs.

We are at present open to new members, and this helps keep the club active and vibrant.

We are very sociable and have lots of fun but we do take our bridge very seriously, and our members play in many local and national competitions with great success at all levels.

On behalf of the Bridge Club I would like to wish the Rugby Club every success over the coming season.

Janet O’Huiginn, President www.bridgewebs.com/blackrockcollege/

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Obituary Michael James O’Dea 1934 – 2017 Happy Memories Michael was his preference as distinct to Mick.

He was one of those rare people who, you could safely say, were one of a kind. Michael was an Architect by profession as well as being an intellectual, Bon viveur, True Sporting Corinthian, Chef, World Traveller, Artist and Theatrical Performer! In fact he was pure theatre when he was the very best of company. He was a lead performer in Shakespeare’s motif “all the worlds a stage and all men and women merely players”.

His father Joe sat next to Kevin Barry in St.Mary’s. The school closed in 1916, Joe went to Blackrock College and Kevin went to Belvedere. This is were the Blackrock connection commenced. His uncle Jimmy O’Dea (AKA Biddy Mulligan) was Sean Lemass’s best man and vice-versa. He also claimed to be a relative of Daniel O’Connell, I never knew Michaels politics but there would be a hint there. Joe O’Dea went to play rugby in Blackrock and was president of the club in 1948-50. He was also a referee and was honoured with the Presidency of the Leinster Referees Association in 1942-43.

Michael was to follow in his footsteps being President of the Club in 1983-84 and President of the Referees in 1999-2000.

His father Joe was an accomplished actor with Radio Eireann Players and was Molouney the train guard in the Quiet Man Movie. In the early fifties he became an honorary announcer for the IRFU at Landsdowne Rd. In the sixties he was unwell on match day, was about to advise the IRFU that he could not attend when the indomitable Michael suggested he would d do the announcing, merely turning up on the d day and continuing to perform for decades llater. This was typical of Michael ‘have gun, will travel’. He always had his boots with him in case ybo cried off at the last minute. It was a anybody great su success story as his voice and style were p ect for the position. We will never forget perfect “th “the ra railway gates are now closed” or “there 48

are no late charges on either team” said with authority and panache.

Michael had a great connection with St. Conleths. He enrolled there in 1944 as a nine-year-old and on the same day a World famous referee Kevin Kelleher started as a teacher. That year in his own words “war clouds covered Eastern Europe, the Italian Peninsula and Northern France as the allies battled with the armies of the Reich and the Irish people survived on turf fires and bicycles”. He was a trustee of St. Conleth’s since 2001, President of the PPU and proud winner of the Kinlen Cup for debating on two occasions. He was the first pupil from St. Conleths to graduate in Architecture and was subsequently the Architect for the development of the school. His exploits on the rugby field were often talking points within the club. A good example would be the 1971 Tom Fox Cup final in Donnybrook where Michael got a scoring pass and rather than a simple touch down he decided to dive in a very athletic style but in the process the ball flew back over his head. No try, hence the name Dive O’Dea. In the mid-seventies in late April we were training for a cup final. Our coach called a temporary halt and asked for silence. In the adjoining match we realised that Michael was taking a convert in front of the posts. The ball hit the upright. The referee called for a re-take and he missed. Apparently a successful kick would have given him 100 points for the season and if achieved a champagne party would be given by him. In his true spirit a friendly was organised, points scored, and party took place.

He was an intrepid foreign traveller, often with a sporting touch but not necessarily e.g. the battlefields of American Civil War. On one rugby trip to Japan supporting the Irish Rugby Team he went by bullet train to the Battleship Yamato

Museum. The battleship was the greatest in the world at its time but was sunk in 1945. In the words of John Lyons, Past President of the IRFU the discussion between Michael and the curator on their knees perusing drawings laid out on the floor was a brilliant spectacle. The museum staff could not figure out how this man from a country they never heard of knew more than them. In 2007, world cup year in France he visited the grave of William Webb Ellis at the cemetery of the old Chateau in Menton. On that trip I had a drink with him in Le Procope Café , the oldest in Paris frequented by Rousseau, Diderot and French revolutionaries . In 1976, he supported the Irish Team in New Zealand. He refereed a match in Wellington. Subsequently in the dressing room on a tipper evening in Blackrock he knocked some mud off his boots and stated that this was pure Wellington mud. He produced a red and black jersey No.15 and asked to guess what jersey it was, someone responded that it was Trinity’s seconds jersey. It was in fact All Black Fergie McCormacks.

Golf played a large part of his life and in fact he won the Brindley trophy twice within the referee’s association. He was captain of the Blackrock Golf society when we won the Lorcan Sherlock Cup. We had many jousts on the Golf course over the years. We used to visit Royal Dornoch for many years to compete in Carnegie Shield week. Oneyear Michael’s tee shot off from the first had a low hook. Ricochets off a boundary wall, bouncing backwards and ending up in the Pro -Shop. The referee was called, ball was in play and Michael played the ball out through the door of the Pro-Shop! I have great memories of him reading aloud from Bernard Darwin, famed golf writer and grandson of Charles.

office with his imperious stride and announcing “O’Dea of The Royal Dublin here”. We always got the best deal.

His favourite tipple was Powers Gold Label but not necessarily limited to that. If you were buying he would say and I will leave the size up to yourself!

In relation to his culinary skills, which were developing early in life as recounted in the book Jammet’s of Dublin about Michael and five fellow Architects who were on their annual Christmas jaunt. Agreement could not be reached on the wine, so they had a bottle of each. After dinner Michael paid personally for a bottle of Chateau D’Yquem. The king of dessert wines. It must be around this time he learnt his favourite dissertation “Have some Madeira my dear”.

I remember the time he was entertaining a friend Walter from Marblehead, Boston. The deal was I took him out to play golf and Michael would cook dinner at home. We arrived in from golf to find the host duly dressed in a bib with Michael Angelo written across it. A chaotic kitchen and books of the American Civil war laid on the table.

It turned out to be a marvellous occasion , food was great and was washed down by the best quality Montrachet. Michael announced that he felt he could have had a great career as a chef.

We concurred!

It should also be noted that he appeared under Mastermind under Magnus Magnusson and narrowly missed qualifying for the next round.

I recall a quiz night once in the institute of Engineers. The quiz mater was reading out the answers only to be challenged by Michael who was correct of course.

On having a poor round of golf but having holed a 40 foot putt with 4 breaks he would dismiss the rest of the round and embellish the quality of putt. I remember on one occasion in Dornoch we met a man who was walking from Lands End to John O’Groats. Michael launched into a dissertation about Hannibal and the elephants crossing the alps after which the poor walker felt like packing it in.

I have no doubt that in his current state he was already re-designed the Pearly Gates, holding mastermind classes with his fellow residents and has the boots in the bag if needed. I’m sure someday when we approach our future destination Michael will be there to greet us with a welcome drink with us responding “and we will leave the size to yourself”.

We remember with delight his approach to a golf club when on tour. Walking in to the secretary’s

David Allman An old friend

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Obituary Willie Duggan Perhaps the greatest joy I have extracted from rugby football related to the people I met and became friends with, and consequently the game was divided into what happened on the pitch and what happened off the pitch.

Willie Duggan was a great and true friend and the craic we had together over the years was mighty.

Willie, a Kilkenny man had the unenviable challenging task of having to travel to play all matches home or away, be it Dublin, Cork, Limerick, Galway, Belfast etc.----99% of rugby players had the comfort of home and away matches, but Willie being in the 1% category had to travel and travel and travel. Ouch!

Sometimes Willie arrived in Blackrock for a home game just 10 minutes before “kick off” and on one occasion one of our 1st XV youngsters said to Willie that he had missed the “warm up”, Willie looked at him and said “no fecking way have I missed the warm up. I have had the heat on in the car for the last hour and a half and I’ m warm and ready to go”.

Willie liked his fags, in the dressing room prior to an International Willie would go to the toilet and sit down in a cubicle and smoke one/two cigarettes. On one occasion, 1978, prior to the England / Ireland game at Twickenham the match referee had knocked on the Ireland dressing room door, instructed us to take the field. The Ireland team was up and ready to go and “where’s Willie? He was in the toilet cubicle having a fag.

Consequently Willie was last out and as we went onto the pitch we passed the referee Alan Hosie and the two linesmen. Willie walking smiled at Alan and Alan smiled back at Willie as Willie handed him something – a fag – and Alan Hosie was caught on the television camera holding the fag – oh dear !.

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In 1977 at Cardiff and the Wales v Ireland game, a punch up broke out about 8/10 minutes before half time in a line out. Geoff Wheel had punched an Irish player and Willie Duggan as a consequence punched a Welsh forward in the line out. The referee Norman Sansom immediately blew the whistle and went over to Geoff Wheel and pointed towards the far corner of the stadium – Geoff Wheel was sent off and he immediately ran off across the pitch but was followed by the BBC TV cameras. In the meantime Mr. Sansom had walked over to Willie and said “would you mind leaving the field ?”. “Sure , not at all, I was bollixed anyway”. Willie walked slowly about ten yards to the touchline and walked over to the Welsh supporters and asked for a fag. He got one and duly smoked it and at half time walked around the pitch in order to exit it. The BBC producer at half time made contact with his two commentators and told them – for Christ sake let the viewers know Duggan was sent off as well, as they had only mentioned Geoff Wheel.

Willie played for Blackrock College RFC, Leinster, Ireland and the British and Irish Lions. He played 41 times for Ireland first capped in 1975 and last as Captain in 1984. He played for the Lions in all four tests in New Zealand 1977. Add to that he was on the 1982 Triple Crown team and was elected in 2010 into the ‘Guinness Rugby Writers Hall of Fame’.

Willie was a great character, and a great rugby brain. He was fearless, hard as nails and a gentleman and I enjoyed both his ‘on and off the field activites’ equally well. Gone but never to be forgotten and I mean never.

Fergus Slattery

Obituary Joe Cummiskey In Memoriam: “Only dull people are brilliant at breakfast” - Oscar Wilde Joseph Cummiskey II passed away peacefully surrounded by his family at Blackrock Clinic, where practiced medicine for over 30 years, on April 28th 2018 following a short illness.

A fervent “club man” since transferring from University College Dublin in 1971, the same year a young ‘Dr Joe’ rubbed shoulders with Idi Amin during ‘Rock’s historic tour of East Africa - not long after the Ugandan president seized power by military coup.

Field Marshall Amin wouldn’t be the last dignitary regaled by Joe’s sharp wit over the next half century.

Born December 1st 1945, the second of five threequarter playing sons to attend Willow Park before his mother Esther’s antidote for a male dominated household was to educate her boys at boarding school in Rockwell College.

Joe played on four senior cup teams, winning the Munster Schools cup twice even captaining the victorious 1964 side while representing Munster for three successive years.

An acomplished sprinter, after entering medical school he played wing on what remains the most celebrated college XV ever assembled - the great Fergus Slattery also returning to Blackrock not long after the students 1970 Leinster Cup success.

However, it was Dr. Cummiskey’s off field achievements, initally at Stanford University in California, later an anti-doping crusader for WADA and the Olympic Council of Ireland’s (OCI) chief medical officer for 11 years, a time span including the Barcelona Games in 1992 and Atlanta in 1996, that copper-fastened his reputation as a renowned respiratory physician.

Deeply missed by the entire Cummiskey clan, so many rugby friends (including one of his oldest in Garryowens Frank Hogan), medical colleagues across the globe and regular visitors to Stradbrook.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh anam dílis.

Obituary Pat Gill (1942-2018) Pat was a hard act to follow. Festooned with prizes for scholarship and medals for sportsmanship. From his early days in St. Michael’s and later in Blackrock College, Pat was a star sprinter doing 100 yards in 11 seconds plus.

with the Mater rugby team. On leaving school he played rugby with UCD and ‘Rock RFC.

He won numerous awards in the school’s sports,in the All Irelands,and in the European Catholic Schools Games for the 100,200 and long jump.

It is said that his 1960 ‘Rock long jump record was not broken until 1990. He swanned through calculus,algebra,trigonometry while his siblings struggled.

In short, a golden boy of school and sports. Pat studied medicine in UCD, and after graduation practiced as a radiologist in Cardiff, Sydney and Perth. He is greatly missed by his devoted wife Faye and his five children.

He starred as a flying winger on cup winning JCT and SCT teams,and won Hospital Cup medals

May he rest in peace.

Denis Gill 51

Obituary Eamon Brady Eamon was educated in Blackrock College which he left in 1944.

He entered the drapery trade and took over his fathers firm of wholesale hatters which he ran successfully until he retired.

He joined the Rugby Club in the late 1940s and played with the club for 8-10 years. He then became a member of the Selection Committee which at that time selected all the clubs sides each week.

He was a great supporter of Clubs teams and travelled to Cardiff, London and Edinburgh when

the club had fixtures on International weekends.

He was a life member of the club and a thorough gentleman in every way and very popular among all members.

Eamon died in April 2017 at the age of 92 and was survived by his wife Nell (a member of the Rugby Club Bridge Club who died July 2018) and son James and daughter Helen.

May he rest in peace.

Obituary Sean Quinlan

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I first met Sean in 1950 when he entered Blackrock College as a scholastic student. He soon established himself as a serious athlete, becoming Ireland Schools 220 yard champion in 1953 and in the same year was a member of a famous school’s record breaking relay team. The other 3 members of the relay team were Gerry Hill, Niall Brophy and Larry Lestrange all of whom subsequently played rugby for Ireland except sadly for Gerry Hill who many have considered to be the best athlete ever to come out of Blackrock College.

In 1958 Sean decided to leave Ireland and played rugby league for a Lancashire club where he did very well. Because he played rugby league he was barred by the IRFU from joining a rugby union club. This was a serious loss to the rugby union game as Sean lost interest in Irish Rugby. A loss that resuled in Sean not being involved in the game from that day to the date of his passing.

Sean finished in Blackrock College in 1953 and decided not to enter the Holy Ghost Order.

Between 1953 and 1957 he played rugby for Highfield RFC and Blackrock College RFC. He played for Munster and was capped for Ireland on 4 occasions between 1956 and 1958.

Sean had a very successful business career, he was married with 3 children. Sean was a nice person full of fun with a great sense of humour. He is missed by all who knew him.

May he rest in peace.

Niall Brophy

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Ladies Lunch and Fashion Show Success Friday afternoon found Stradbrook a buzz with excitement as 180 ladies arrived at Blackrock College Rugby Club for the Ladies Lunch event.

We can guarantee there were absolutely no high tackles, only high heels, at this glamorous fundraiser.

Guests were greeted with a champagne reception, as musician Jamie Duff entertained on the guitar. With Club sponsor, Sherry Fitzgerald Lettings, generously hosting the affair, the women were soon seated in the festive hall for a three-course lunch.

A fashion show by Irish Wholesaler, Myles Cunningham with D.E.C.K by Decollage, was an event highlight, showcasing gorgeous clothing, perfectly appropriate for those autumn afternoons spent on the sidelines of the rugby pitch. Six lucky guests went home with new outfits, while several others scored additional D.E.C.K fashions. Local Boutiques stock a range of the D.E.C.K label, including Sole

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Woman Glasthule, Fran and Jane Blackrock, and Meadows and Byrne Dun Laoghaire.

Two especially glamourous women received top acknowledgement as they were chosen for their ensembles. Sally Cooke and Mar Cabre both went home with well-deserved best dressed honours.

This fundraiser saw a fantastic turn-out and will hopefully become an annual event. Organizer and Club Vice President, Pappy Burke, says “The lunch was greatly attended with many familiar faces returning to Stradbrook for an enjoyable afternoon benefitting the continued development of the club”.

A special thank you to all the guests who attended and to our generous sponsors, we are grateful.

For information on upcoming events at Blackrock College RFC, such as The Christmas Lunch, December’s annual Race Day at Leopardstown Racecourse, February’s White Collar Boxing in Stradbrook and much more, please visit our website www.blackrockcollegerfc.ie.

Photos courtesy of Richard Gill

Ladies Lunch and Fashion Show Success

Photos courtesy of Richard Gill

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Cabinteely Football Club – From Small to Tall

Cabinteely Football Club would like to extend our Best Wishes to Pappy Burke and Job Langbroek in their roles as President and Captain, respectively, of Blackrock College Rugby Football Club.

We hope that 2019 will be a successful year both on and off the pitch for the Club.

For our part Cabinteely Football Club is delighted to once again host our SSE Airtricity League of Ireland First Division home games in Stradbrook. Under the guidance of Director of Football and First Team Manager, Pat Devlin, we aim to turn the grounds into “Fortress Stradbrook” and we are not too far off achieving that.

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Some wonderful goals were scored in Stradbrook by the likes of Kieran Marty Waters, Luke Clucas and Joe Doyle while at the other end Goalkeeper, Stephen McGuinness, made sure that the opposition were denied their scoring opportunities.

Our Under 17 SSE Airtricity National League team, under Manager Julian Connolly, made history in 2018 by qualifying for the semi final of the National Cup, the Mark Farren Trophy, and made further history by hosting the game in Stradbrook. Only a cruelly deflected goal in extra time against Cork City denied Cabo the opportunity of advancing to the final.

Cabinteely Football Club has just celebrated its 50th Birthday and now begins the next

Cabinteely Football Club – From Small to Tall chapter in its young history under the ethos of “Football for All, From Small to Tall. Through this we provide a pathway from Under 5’s to League of Ireland and beyond as we provide regular football games, coaching and training for boys, girls, senior men, Special Needs, National League and League of Ireland.

We provide an opportunity for all to reach their full potential.

Through this approach we see players who started off as Under 5’s now making their way up through the various underage teams and on to the National League, League of Ireland and International teams. Home grown talent.

Whites. Wouldn’t it be great to have European Football in Dun Laoghaire Rathdown in the future.

Our aim is to build a team with local talent and youth players at the core in the Dun Laoghaire Rathdown area that will gain promotion to the Premier Division of the SSE Airtricity League

We offer the same pathway to our coaches and again coaches who started off with the very young players are now making their way up the coaching ranks within the club.

Just like Blackrock College Football Club our ambitions would not be achieved without the selfless work of our Volunteers. These men and women give tirelessly of their time to ensure we can provide football for as many kids as possible in a safe and friendly environment and give selflessly of their effort to ensure we have the resources to achieve our ambitions.

of Ireland. We provide a platform for our best talent to achieve success and through that success inspire the next generation of Cabo players, fans and volunteers.

We brought international football to Stradbrook in the form of the New Zealand All

We are a club based in the community, for the community. That was the aim of those in the community who formed the club just over 50 years ago and it still holds true today.

Community, Ambition, Belief, Opportunity…… ..,the Cabo Way! Cabinteely Football Club thanks Blackrock College Rugby Football Club for their support in hosting our SEE Airtricity League of Ireland home games in Stradbrook and we hope that both clubs will enjoy success in 2019.

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Youths Rugby in Blackrock RFC

U16s & U17s

The U16s & U17s squad had an active year in competing in the Leinster Schools division 1 league, cup and metro cup. They were comprised of players from 8 schools making it a diverse group. Unfortunately, the team did not win silverware this year but many players showed great flair so there is good potential for U17s/18s next season.

The 2003 (U15) squad struggled to field a team this year as many were drafted onto their school’s junior cup teams. They managed one friendly game against a visiting Shannon side.

Hopefully, as U16s, the squad will be back up to strength for the coming season. Thanks for the players and coaches who supported during the year and we look forward to seeing you next season. David van Zuydam and Finbarr Hayes are u15 Coaches.

end of the season we were joined by a number of players from Monkstown RFC which could have potential for the new season. One aspect of the Club that the boys thoroughly enjoyed was Shanes strength and conditioning program which was age appropriate but definitely showed results. Hopefully we can maintain squad numbers for the new season and attract more players to join the U15’s 2018/19.

Killian O’ Sullivan

The U14’s started the season with a small but very enthusiastic squad, we struggled to field a 15 man team in the months up to Christmas but with a lot of effort from the boys and coaches we managed to get our numbers up to 24 players several of whom had never played rugby before. There was only one victory but at least 3 more games that were very close. Towards the Lineout – U17s Div.1 Shield Final.

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Under 13’s Cup & League Double

The u13’s 2017/18 season got off to a great start, with most boys deciding to continue with us from mini rugby into youths. Our numbers were strengthened by a few new players coming to join us from neighbouring clubs this season, attracted by what they had heard about the expansive brand of rugby we were encouraging the boys to play. With 47 boys registered, we were able to field 2 teams in the u13 A and B leagues. We split our teams based on age, rather than grading: older boys in the Bulls (A league) and younger in the Bears (B league).

Both our squads had excellent seasons. The Bears took on some of the toughest competitors in the Leinster area, and despite their relative younger age, successfully fought through to the league semi-final, where they were unlucky to lose to a very strong squad from Barnhall RFC. The Bulls were an extraordinarily strong squad,

and went through their season undefeated, earning a place in both the A League and Leinster Cup finals on consecutive weekends in Donnybrook Stadium. Our entire group and parents came out to support the Bulls as they faced Old Belvedere in the League final and Lansdowne in the Cup final.

Both were tough encounters, but our boys proved strong enough to come away with wins in both, securing both trophies for the club.

A fantastic evening of celebration followed for boys and their families, hosted at one of our coaches’ home.

Throughout the season, our boys developed well as players and as team members. They played with ambition, mixing strength and determination with a willingness to move the ball in play and take risks. We are looking for all our boys to play expansive rugby, and they are making great strides in that direction. To have this approach rewarded with league and cup success is a welcome added bonus.

We are looking forward to welcoming our boys back, and maybe some new faces, in autumn 2018 for another busy year of youth rugby.

Ulric Kenny 71

Annual Race Day Highlights As Leopardstown Racecourse concluded it’s final day of their Christmas festival, the Panoramic Suite was a buzz with excitement as our 185 guests gathered to cheer on their picks for the day. Thankfully, a tipster offered advice to guide a few of us non-racers a chance to win, but a couple of upsets by clear favourites added to the drama.

Congratulations to Judy Graham for winning the Billy Joel tickets and a big thank you to

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everyone who came and enjoyed a fantastic day out.

Thank you to Pat Finn and Arthur Fitzpatrick for their organization and attention to detail, finishing off 2017 with a sold-out event. We are already looking forward to next year’s Race Day... be sure to subscribe to the Club’s newsletter for details to Blackrock College RFC’s upcoming events.

Annual Race Day Highlights

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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

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U12’s Mini Rugby Trip to Biarritz France

42 Players accompanied by 43 parents and coaches enjoyed a fantastic end of Mini Rugby trip to Biarritz, France in May 2018.

Rain was the theme of our weekend unfortunately, but it never dampened the boys spirts.

As it turned out, there was an added bonus for the boys & group, as our weekend coincided with the final of the European Rugby Champions Cup Final, taking place over the border in Bilbao, Spain.

We travelled under the expert guidance of Nigel Osbourne of Rugby and French who arranged our travel, games, activities and match tickets.

Although not part of our original itinerary, the opportunity to watch Leinster play Racing 92 was too big to miss and this proved to be the correct call, as we were lucky enough to be part of such a memorable day, watching Leinster win their fourth title in rainy Bilbao.

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We were based in Soustons, just outside Biarritz on our first night and the following morning we played our 3 arranged fixtures versus local teams, Soustons, Tyrosse and Mont de Marson.

Despite a torrential downpour our 3 sides played fantastic and competitive rugby versus excellent French opposition, each winning 2 and losing 1.

On Sunday morning we went surďŹ ng on Biarritz beach (in the rain!), this concluded our weekend with the boys ignoring the weather and enjoying another great experience.

Overall, it was a very memorable weekend for all who travelled, and it was great to see the camaraderie and friendships grow between the

players. The boys are a credit to the club with their behaviour and it has been a privilege to be part of the coaching team for this group and watching the boys develop and progress, not only as players, but also people.

Karl Rigney Head Coach U12â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

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e n st or e • • O mo ms Un sto e • • O r n e a • In s line re • nd ifor e • In s nli U U to O m m ni tore • In nli or s an nifo re fo • e n rm • s d r s Uni tor e • • O m ms an fo e • In nl or an r d s in e m ms Un tor e • • O or an ifo e n I e d rm • U n s li • m t s n o O nl ore an ifo re in rm d • e O mo s a • nl In r n st ine e • or O • n e • In s li U t o ni fo re rm s an

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Diary Dates 2018

Eric O’Connor Mini Rugby Festival Sunday 7th October

Mass for Deceased Members Blackrock College 11am Sunday 4th November

Gala Dinner, eve of Ireland v.

New Zealand International Friday 16th November Round Room at the Mansion House See Website for details

Minis Xmas Party Saturday 15th December

Race Day at Leopardstown Saturday 29th December Contacts: Pat Finn 087.2565935 Arthur Fitzpatrick 087.2434156 2019

Fight Night Saturday 2nd March Contacts: Tom Taaffe 087.2147477 Justin Murphy 087. 7115330

Ladies Lunch

www.uniformity.ie Unit B, Three Rock Road, Sandyford Industrial Estate, Co. Dublin, D18 H213 e: info@uniformity.ie

Friday 22nd March Contact: Eileen Burke 087.2522942 Followed by Floodlit AIL Match v. Navan

Golf Classic - Elm Park Golf Club Tuesday 14th May

t: 01 2300 501

See Club Website and weekly “In Rock this Week” Email for details of further Social Events.

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Star Players

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