President's Message 01.10.26

Congratulations to our Men’s First XV victory last Saturday against Barnhall. What a great way to kick off the AIL Season! The Team showed resilience and composure to come through a tough encounter against a very good side and it augers well for the remainder of the campaign. Congrats to James Burke on winning Man of the Match. 

It was great to see such a big crowd at the lunch and I appreciate the support of everyone who attended. Thanks to Conor, Erin, our bar staff and caterers for putting on such a nice show. The clubhouse was Rocking ‘til late! 

Well done also to the Men's 2nd XV Team and Management on another big win against Terenure and to winger Cian Eddy on another Man of the Match award.

Whilst our Women's 2nd XV were narrowly beaten by Balbriggan, there were lots of debuts and new combinations and so plenty of green shoots! The team was admirably lead by co captains, Hannah Hodges and Maeve Liston- with Maeve awarded Player of the Match. Nini McCarthy started her 29th season in the blue and white - what a fantastic achievement.

Commiserations to the Castle 3rds on not getting the win against DUFC but there was plenty of good individual performances and a joint Man of the Match award to Daly Charmant Dunne and Niall Brophy. And whilst the Under 20s were beaten away in Terenure to a good side, we showed plenty of cohesion for our first match of the season. Well done to centre James Duffy who won Man of the Match.

Despite the weather affecting the majority of Sunday morning minis rugby, half of the U11 squad travelled to the back pitch at Lansdowne Rd to play a hard-fought blitz against Lansdowne. Both Blackrock teams emerged victorious in the shadow of the Aviva, a great run out for players and coaches alike, setting the tone for the season ahead.

We look forward to seeing big numbers out supporting all our teams this weekend. Friday night under the lights with the Under 20s kicks off the rugby weekend. 

I'd like to thank everyone who has paid their membership this season, and remind those remaining members to please pay your subs now using the ClubZap App. This app also gives our members access to club news, team announcements, fixtures/ results, match reports and much more. 

Again, we also express our sincere thanks to all of our sponsors, without whom none of this would be possible.

Yours in Rugby,

Paul Brophy