Annual Dinner

The annual Blackrock College RFC dinner took place in Stradbrook on Friday, the 9th May, to celebrate the 2024/25 rugby season. Congratulations to Conor Cleary, Erin Dalton and all the team on getting all in place to welcome our Leinster rugby guests and for a great night all around! It’s the work behind the scenes is what make all clubs tick and thank you all for your endless efforts, it most appreciated.

Special thanks to our esteemed guests;

Robert Deacon, Leinster Representative for the IRFU

Declan Gardiner, President, Leinster Rugby

Martin Farrelly, President of Leinster Rugby Referees

Robert Deacon of the IRFU stood in for the president Declan Madden and our very own, Declan Gardiner, was supported by the Leinster rugby presidents and were honoured guests of Ray McMahon on the evening.

The night was kicked off with speeches from Blackrock College RFC president who recapped on our rugby year for the club and was followed by Mick Dwan our Vice president who toasted Irish rugby and made the very welcome announcement of Paul Brophy as his Vice president for next season and very best of luck to the lads and the clubs future endeavours. Robert Deacon was next and outlined Irish rugby’s direction and all its successes throughout the season. Declan Gardiner completed the official speeches on the night and the club are very proud of all he has given to Blackrock College RFC and Leinster rugby!

After dinner was a Q&A, driven by our guest speaker and again, one of our very own, the one and only Mr Michael Jackson. The room was full of laughter for the remainder of the evening as Michael went back and forth with our guest presidents and some key club members, it was the prefect conclusion to a super night of rugby friends and Blackrock College RFC.

Thank you also to Vinny Hanlon Catering for the delicious meal and excellent service, along with John Crothers of JC Sports Photography for providing his photography services as seen in the photos on this page, and the brilliant rugby shots all season.

Most of all, I thank you all for your support, advice and friendship throughout this season and I am very excited to see what next year brings as we have very strong ambitions as a club. Please continue to support rugby and all the teams in Blackrock College RFC and see you around the club.

Ray McMahon

President 2024/25, Blackrock College RFC