President's Message 22.1.26

Last weekend saw two strong wins from the two squads that had fixtures.

With the ongoing very inclement weather, the Women’s AIL fixture vs Galwegians last Saturday was moved to the 4G pitch in Williamstown. Another bonus point win 28-7 for Blackrock but the scoreline doesn’t really reflect the challenge that Galwegians put up to our women. In difficult handling conditions, we were very pleased to come away with the win and maintain 2^nd place in the AIL. I was really pleased to see the wonderful support from the wider Women’s squad and to witness the expansive game we are playing. It’s well worth coming down to see our women’s teams in action. We travel down to Ennis this Saturday for another crucial game. Our women’s J1s were due to play Railway Union in the Metro final last night. Unfortunately, the pitch was waterlogged and the final has been rescheduled for next Tuesday 27^th at 8pm in Railway Union. Let’s get out and lend our support as we try to secure our first silverware of the season.

Our Castle 3rds secured an away win vs Guinness on Saturday and are scheduled to play Old Belvedere in Stradbrook at 11am this Saturday. Given the weather forecast, this will be subject to a pitch inspection. The various WhatsApp groups will be updated for any change in match arrangements. Keep up the good work, lads.

Our J1s are back in action this Friday night away in UCD at 7.45pm. It’s been over a month since they last played.

Our Men’s 1^st XV seek to avenge their pre Christmas defeat by Instonians with the return home fixture. No Heineken games this weekend so the team would really appreciate your support against high flying Instonians.

Our U20s return to JP Fanagan league action away to St Marys at 2.30pm on Sunday. The Management and squad are putting a lot of hard work in and are playing some scintillating rugby. Pop up to Templeville Road on Sunday afternoon if you can.

I’d like to congratulate our players Derry Moloney and Harry Waters on their Ireland u20 Six Nations squad selection. It's a huge honour for the lads, their families and the Club. Lee Fitzpatrick and Jack Deegan are ruled out at the moment through injury. Congrats also to our Senior Coach James Blaney on his son Ben’s selection to the squad. Other squad members, Charlie Molony and Donnacha Maguire played mini rugby rugby in the Club. Hats off to all our coaches who have had an important part to play in these young men’s rugby development to date. Here’s hoping for a successful 6 Nations campaign and that they come back ready to play for the Club in the closing stages of the AIL.

Good luck to our members Thomas Clarkson and Tommy O Brien and the Irish squad for the upcoming Six Nations.

I was delighted to see our senior players Roy Whelan, Jack Ringrose, Jamie Rogan, Andrew Quinn and Jack Gardiner leading a training session for our u11 squad last Sunday. This epitomises everything that is great about our Club.The young boys really enjoyed the training… thanks lads.

I’d like to say a huge well done to our friends in Blackrock AFC who narrowly lost 2-3 vs Shamrock Rovers in the Leinster Senior Cup in Stradbrook last Friday night. What an occasion with an incredible atmosphere in the Club.

Details on May's Golf Classic in Milltown are being finalised. We are keeping the prices the same as last year! Get your team organised early and make the booking. There are also opportunities to support the event through sponsorship, tee sponsorship and donating golf and raffle prizes. We will be sending out further details in due course.

As you can see, there is lots going on in the Club. A huge thanks to all the volunteers who make it all happen.

I look forward to meeting as many of you as possible in the coming weeks.

All the best,

Mick

Mick Dwan

President 2025/ 2026

Blackrock College RFC