President's Message 15.1.26

We got back up and running last weekend after the Christmas break.

Our Men’s 1^st XV travelled into Donnybrook to play the return AIL match vs League leaders Old Wesley trying to avenge the narrow defeat in Stradbrook  in December. There was great banter and chat at the pre match lunch in anticipation of the game. We were treated to another cracking game of rugby. We were delighted to have John Forde playing his first game for Blackrock after a long injury lay off. Richie Allen joined us over Christmas to cover hooker and we welcomed Alex Mullan and Derry Moloney back from injury. Old Wesley fielded their strongest team this season with 7 representative players in their ranks. Both teams showed a willingness to play open attacking rugby. Blackrock played some breathtaking rugby and were somewhat unlucky not to put a few more scores on the board in the first 30 minutes with a few final passes and offloads not going to hand. Old Wesley then came back into the match through their big physical pack. After a period of pressure close to our line we conceded a yellow card and this proved expensive as we conceded 2 converted tries in that 10 minute period.

The second half was another ding dong affair with both sides giving their all. Unfortunately, we again came out the wrong side of a very close game. Wesley the 27-21 victors. A losing bonus point was the least we deserved. While we languish in 9^th place in the table there are very few points separating us from mid table. There are many encouraging signs from the last two matches vs Old Wesley to give everyone grounds for optimism for the remainder of the season. Our squad are certainly up for the fight!

There is no Men's AIL this weekend, however I would like to congratulate our 3 Rock players Oliver Coffey, Ciaran Mangan and Alex Mullan who are in the Leinster Academy squad to play Stade Toulousian Espoirs (u23) in France this Saturday. See link from the Leinster Rugby website: Leinster Rugby Academy to face Stade Toulousain Espoirs. I would also like to congratulate Derry Moloney and Harry Waters selected on the Ireland u20 squad to play Italy in a pre Six Nations game in the UCD Bowl this Saturday. Go well lads.

Our Men’s Castle 3^rd team had a super 29-22 win over Old Wesley, also played in Donnybrook on Saturday. This squad are on a great run and in contention for league honours. They play Guinness away this Saturday at 2.30pm. Well done to everyone involved.

After Donnybrook I headed out to Williamstown to watch our Women’s XV play Cooke in their first AIL game post Christmas. We had a number of players involved in the Celtic Challenge. Our squad put in a scintillating performance, winning 76-8 and consolidating 2^nd place in the AIL table, 4 points behind UL Bohemians and 7 points ahead of 3^rd placed Old Belvedere. The medium term goal is to secure a home semi final. However, we are not getting too far ahead of ourselves and we face Galwegians at home this Saturday. Kick off has moved to 3pm as the IRFU are streaming the match live. All support welcome this Saturday. There is a fabulous article on the IRFU website this week featuring Andi Murphy and our Women’s squad. See attached link… it's well worth a read: Murphy: We’re Playing With Aviva In Back Of Our Minds

Photo credit: John Crothers at JC Sports Photography

Our u17s are enjoying a fine season and had an impressive 27-0 win over Lansdowne on Sunday. We play Greystones away this Sunday at 12noon.

I’d like to send my best wishes to our friends in Blackrock College AFC who play Shamrock Rovers in the Leinster Senior Cup at 7.45pm tomorrow night in Stradbrook. It’s the first time that the Club hosts a League of Ireland team in a competitive fixture. Entry is only €10 and Evan O Brien and the lads would appreciate your support.

Two other dates for the diary, we have the AIL pre match lunch vs Instonians on Saturday 24^th January. I would love to see as many of you as possible at the lunch. We have only 4 more home matches in the regular AIL season. The lads need your support and I can assure you it it a lovely way to spend a Saturday afternoon with family and friends. You can book your spot at a pre-match lunch through the Club website or contact Erin in the office.

The Player’s Ball will take place in the Radisson on Saturday, 21^st February. It promises to be a high quality event!

Wishing you all a good week.

Onwards and upwards,

Mick

Mick Dwan

President 2025/ 2026

Blackrock College RFC