President's Message 15.10.25

Well that was some weekend of rugby! Friday night saw Matthew Curneen’s Castle XV continue their winning ways with a tight away victory over Old Wesley. Well done lads, and we wish them well with their home game this Saturday afternoon vs Guinness.

The Firsts squad headed to Belfast on Saturday to play an Ulster academy loaded Queens. This has not been a happy ground for Blackrock in recent seasons, but what a performance from the squad on the day! Our coach Luke Hickey described the victory, in the dressing room immediately after the match, as the most impressive he had seen from the team in many a year. That is saying something and we can go from strength to strength from here. The lads enjoyed the bus journey back down to the Goat where Bill Chawke fed  the squad with complimentary pizzas and a selection of German beers! A break in the AIL this weekend is most welcome for our injury ravaged squad. I was chatting to one of the younger player's Dads in Belfast before the match and his son told him that he had never played with such a united and inclusive Group of players before… what a statement which is a wonderful reflection on Captain Roy Whelan, the coaches and the senior squad.

Vying for the performance of the weekend was the J1 squad who were so unlucky to lose 28-29 to a very strong Clontarf out in Castle Avenue. This shows the strength in depth we have in the Club. Let’s get down to Stradbrook this Thursday to support the lads against UCD… I can guarantee you it will be entertaining!

The u20 scoreline in Trinity doesn’t reflect how competitive we were. A yellow card shortly after half time proved costly. We play again this Friday vs Old Belvedere in Stradbrook. Suzanne O Brien, mother of u20 Captain Ernie, has kindly put together a Parent’s WhatsApp group. A reception for the Parents has been arranged for 6.30pm this Friday before the match. I look forward to seeing you all there and welcoming you to the Club. You are a hugely important part of Blackrock College RFC.

The u13 and u14 squads go from strength to strength with victories over Clontarf and Monkstown on Sunday.

A big day on Saturday for our Women’ 1sts and 2nds away in Railway Union. Let’s get down there to support this super group of players, and best of luck to all those competing in the historic PRIDE Round.

On Saturday week, 25^th October, we host Garryowen at home. We are making a number of presentations to those who helped organise the wonderful Tour to Uganda. Our Tour Manager, John Colclough, will share some of the experiences at the pre match lunch and he will make a formal presentation of a commemorative jersey to the Club. I would encourage as many of you as possible to join us at the lunch including those who were lucky enough to make the trip. There will be many memorable stories to be shared!

We are planning a Super Saturday in the Club on 1^st November. The pre match lunch vs Armagh, post match music and the Ireland/ All Blacks match at 8pm that evening.

Tables for Pre Match Lunches can be booked online or with Erin in the office.

Our Gala Dinner will be held in the Shelbourne on 19^th November. A fun night in store. We have a few tables to be sold. Why not put a table together with fellow members, parents, work colleagues, team reunions. This is a hugely important fundraiser for the Club and I look forward to seeing as many of you there.

Another exciting weekend of rugby in store. Please come out and support our teams.

All the best,

Mick

Mick Dwan

President 2025/ 2026

Blackrock College RFC