President’s Message 13.4.26

Last Saturday in Stradbrook was another one of the highlights of my year as President with our Women’s AIL team securing a place in the AIL final after a narrow victory over local rivals Railway Union. Hannah O'Connor has provided an excellent match report in the newsletter below, and there is another great article on the Irish Rugby website. It was a pulsating contest with both teams giving their all. Top quality rugby on display throughout with incredible defence from both sides. Two late penalties from Ella Durkan sealed the win for Blackrock. I was privileged to be part of the on pitch celebrations immediately after the full time whistle was blown. Well done to the full squad led by Maeve Og and Aoife on Saturday, our coaches Niall and Dave, S&C coach Rob, Managers Amy and Jen, Bagman Dave and our physio Cathy. We wish our Captain Hannah O Connor the very best as she rehabs her foot injury and, fingers crossed, makes it back for the final.

The AIL final will be played in the Aviva on Sunday 26^th April, a double header with the Men’s final. We will play UL Bohemians who defeated Old Belvedere 24-17 in Saturday’s other semi final. This is Blackrock’s first AIL final since we were last champions in 2022. UL Bohs are title holders having won back to back titles in 2024 and 2025. Tickets are now available on Ticketmaster and additional arrangements will be notified shortly. Let’s get a big Blackrock crowd to the Aviva to support this fantastic squad!

Our Women’s J1s unfortunately lost 24-29 to Tullamore in the Paul Flood Cup Plate on Sunday. This was a very brave performance as we had only 16 players available on the day due to injuries. The J1s still have a huge role to play with the wider squad as preparations continue this week for the AIL final.

The best of luck to the U14s Sharks team who prepare for 2 important matches- a Leinster Cup SF v Seapoint on Friday and the Leinster Div 1 Final v Wicklow taking place the following weekend.

Well done to Club members Beibhinn Parsons and Emily Lane who started for Ireland against world champions, England, in Twickenham on Saturday afternoon, in front of 78,000 people. A much improved second half from Ireland augurs well for the rest of the Six Nations.

Even as we head to mid April there are lots of activities with the Minis/Youths. Our u11s played in the Old Belvedere blitz on Saturday… One of the highlights for every mini rugby player, I have some wonderful memories of my own lads playing in that blitz! There are numerous end of season blitzes and tours being planned across the other age groups.

Please note the following  important dates coming up very soon as we head to the end of the season. Details are in the newsletter and on the Club website.

• Women’s AIL final 26^th April in the Aviva, tickets via Ticketmaster: AIL Final

• Annual Club Dinner on Friday 8^th May. Bookings for the dinner are now open. I want to make this a great Club night where we celebrate all aspects and sections (Men, Women, Minis/Youths) of our Club. I am asking members, coaches, players (men and women), parents, friends to support the dinner… the more the merrier. Please start organising tables amongst your peer groups.

• The Players Awards night in Stradbrook on Saturday 9^th May. This will cover minis/youths, junior and senior Men and Women teams. 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, with all afternoon teams now gone. We still have a few 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 another great Club Day.

• 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.

Thank you for your support and encouragement during my year as your President. I look forward to catching up with you at some of the events detailed above.

All the best

Mick