Annual Dinner Highlights
- admin7020074
- 21 hours ago
- 2 min read
The Blackrock College RFC Annual Dinner took place in Stradbrook on Friday, the 8th May, to mark the end of the 2025/26 rugby season.
The night kicked off in the bar area with the arrival of our 165 guests, a great mix of the Rock community including Club Members, Executive Committee Members, Past Presidents, Players and Management from the Mens and Womens squads, a table of the "Uganda Tour Vets", Parents from the the various sections including two tables of the U20s mums and dads, along with support from the Minis & Youths Reps, Mick Dwan's family and close friends, a table of Blackrock College AFC members, and all the Leinster Club Presidents and Representatives. It was a wonderful mix and thank you to everyone who supported this event.
The more formal part of the evening started with a warm welcome from former Club Captain and our emcee for the evening, Johnny McGovern. President Mick Dwan followed with the "Toast to Ireland" and a recap on the Club's season. Mick included a special presentation to guests, Willie Duggan Jr and Monica Duggan, children of the great Rock legend, Willie Duggan Sr.
Paul Brophy, Vice President, soon toasted to "Irish Rugby" and Paul also made the exciting announcement of Peter Quinn as his Vice President for next season. We all wish the very best of successes to Paul and Peter next season!
Johnny Mc soon brought John O'Driscoll up to the podium and John regaled us with stories from his great years playing alongside Willie Duggan Sr, Fergus Slattery and many others. It was clear that John had a close personal connection with so many Blackrock legends, and we thank him for sharing his stories with us.
After dinner the Club Captains, Roy Whelan and Hannah O'Connor toasted to "Our Guests", followed by a Q&A with the incredible Philip Doyle, intereviewed by our own Maeve Og O'Leary, they kept the crowd brilliantly entertained.
As Mick Dwan was ready to finish up with his Presidential duties, a final request for him came from Johnny McGovern for a lively rendition of John Denver's "Take Me Home... Country Roads"... Mick's party piece and a nod to their time together on the Uganda Tour! Thanks Mick for being a great sport!
The entire evening was a wonderful conclusion to a super night of rugby and friends at Blackrock College RFC.
Special thanks to our esteemed guests;
Dr. John O'Driscoll, President, IRFU
Moira Flahive, President, Leinster Rugby
Brendan Conroy, President of Association Referees Leinster Branch
Philip Doyle, Olympic Rower, Dancing with the Stars, and Doctor
Thank you also to Vinny Hanlon Catering for the delicious meal and excellent service, along with Ronan Ryan for providing his photography services as seen in the photo gallery below.
