President’s Message 1.5.26

Last weekend saw our Women’s squad lose out very narrowly 29-32 to UL Bohemians. The rugby on display by both teams was of the highest quality. We put in an incredible performance and were so unlucky to be harshly penalised for sealing off with less than 10 seconds left in the game and UL Bohemians scored the winning try in the last play. There is a full match report on the Irish Rugby website. Congrats to UL Bohs on winning their third title in a row and their 16^th in total. While our girls were naturally devastated, they left everything out on the pitch and did themselves, their families and the Club incredibly proud. I enjoyed spending some time with the coaches, management and players back in the Club on Sunday night… they are real quality both on and off the pitch. The determination within the Squad and coaches to go one better next season augurs well. We look forward to celebrating their fantastic season at the Club dinner next Friday night.

Hard luck to Club members Beibhinn Parsons and Emily Lane who started for Ireland in their loss to France last weekend.

Good luck to Thomas Clarkson and Tommy O Brien and the Leinster team in the Champions Cup semi final vs Toulon tomorrow.

As we near the end of the season there is still a huge amount going on with the Minis/Youths.

We are thrilled to report that we have four teams in Metro Cup finals. This is a remarkable achievement that speaks volumes about the talent, dedication and spirit across our Minis/Youths section.

Last night I was privileged to watch our u15s beat Barnhall in the Metro Cup semi final, playing some scintillating rugby. Barnhall had won the Leinster Premier Division 1A league. Our u15s were back at this level for the first time in years and, fresh from their brilliant victory at the recent Lisbon Rugby tournament, are now in the Metro final which is scheduled to be played on Sunday 10th May.

Tomorrow, Saturday we have the u14 Girls Cup Final vs Mullingar at 10am on the main pitch in Energia Park. Our u 14 girls compete as part of the Sharks, an amalgam with Old Belvedere and Terenure… what a thrill for this squad.

On Sunday at 12.15 our u13s play Terenure in the Cup final on the main pitch in Energia Park and to round off a historic weekend, our u14s face Newbridge at 1.45pm in what promises to be a thrilling final, also on the Main pitch in Donnybrook.

We wish all our squads, coaches and parents the very best. Enjoy the experience. We are all very proud of you.

There are a number of end of season blitzes and overseas tours coming up for the other age groups.

Please note the following  important dates coming up very soon. Details are in the newsletter and on the Club website.

• Annual Club dinner on Friday 8^th May. I am delighted to announce that the dinner is a complete sellout. Thank you very much for your support. Details have been finalised this week. Johnny McGovern has kindly agreed to be MC for the night. We will hear from our Club captains Roy Whelan and Hannah O Connor. We have the Olympic bronze Medalist Philip Doyle as our special guest. Philip is also a medical doctor and also participated in Dancing with the Stars! Philip will be interviewed by our own Maeve Og O Leary who captained our Women’s team in the AIL final last Sunday. The President of the IRFU, John O Driscoll and the Leinster President, Moira Flahive, are also attending. There has been a fantastic response from members, coaches, players (men and women), parents and friends to support the dinner… it promises to be a great Club night.

• The Minis End of Season and Players Awards in Stradbrook on Saturday 9^th May. This will cover minis/youths, Men, Women, I am delighted that we are recognising all players at the one event. Everyone is welcome to attend… players, coaches, managers, parents, supporters and friends.

• Golf Classic on Thursday 21^st May in Milltown. This is nearly fully booked out. All afternoon teams were filled weeks ago. We still have a couple of morning slots available and are looking for more tee sponsors and raffle prizes. Please book your morning team &/or tee sponsorship through the Club website or contact Erin in the office. It promises to be as enjoyable as last year. Again, thanks to everyone who supported this very important fundraising event for the Club.

• The kids Mini World Cup will be held in Stradbrook 11-15 May, and 2 weeks of Summer Camps are now all open for online registration.

• A new event, Stand Up Comedy with Rory O Hanlon in Stradbrook on Saturday 13^th June.

As I near the end of my year as President I want to personally thank each and everyone of you for your encouragement and support. I look forward to catching up with you at some of the events detailed above.

All the best

Mick