President's Message 22.10.26
Men’s AIL
We urge all Club members to support, skipper, Roy Whelan and the Lads in the 4th Round of the AIL against City of Armagh this Saturday in Stradbrook.
Whilst we are currently sitting mid table, a win would propel us back into contention at the top of the table. The Team has been playing an exciting brand of football in our drive to regain Division 1A status this season and it’s guaranteed to be a great game of rugby and a great day out!
Our Armagh friends are travelling down in numbers, so be sure to get down to the Club on the Bank Holiday weekend for a super day.
Women’s AIL
Although narrowly beaten last week in Annacotty by UL Bohemians 22-14, our Women’s 1st XV are third in the League on 5 points behind Belvedere (10 points) with all to play for at home to Galwegians on Saturday 31st October.
Our Player of the Match in Annacotty was Maeve Óg O’Leary.
U20s lose to UCD
Whilst we lost to UCD 38-19 in a brilliantly entertaining game, the scoreline did not reflect that Rock were in the game for long periods and despite coming up short, put in a very good performance against a top UCD team.
Rock have a strong squad which augers very well going forward and well done to the Team and Management.
A pre match function was held where John O’Leary said a few nice words, warmly welcoming all players’ parents to Stradbrook.
A big thank you to Vinny Hanlon Catering, who provided beautiful soup and sandwiches!
Congratulations to flanker Conor Hanley for winning Man of The Match.
Men’s 3rd XV
The Castle 3rds had a great 54-nil win against Seapoint on Saturday and well done to famous skipper Niall Brophy and all the Team and Management on a great result.
The pack played very well and versatile Matty McCarthy impressed at 10, creating plenty of space and tries for his outside backs.
Man of the Match Award goes to Andrew Quinn, winger, who was playing from the centre position.
Executive
The Club is seeking to build a number of new capital projects so as to provide a number of new income streams to make the annual and day to day funding more sustainable. These projects include the building of 2 padel courts and new 4G pitches to replace the grass bottom pitches. These projects will provide substantial additional yearly income to the Club which is vital in in our drive to regain Division 1A status and ensuring the excellence of our playing facilities in retaining and attracting players.
New Sponsorship Board
We thank the companies and individuals who have already stepped forward to sponsor a jersey at €1,000 each, for both the Men’s and Women’s AIL Squads.
The sponsorship will be prominently displayed in the Club and also on our social media channels and website before each game.
Some famous players have worn these jerseys with great distinction over the years including Shane Byrne (2) Leo Cullen (4) Brian O’Driscoll (13), along with Béibhinn Parsons (11) and Suzie Bachop (10) on the Men’s and Women’s AIL Teams respectively.
Please contact John O’Leary and Pat Finn to secure your sponsor jersey number now!
Gala Dinner
Book your table now for the Gala Dinner in the Shelbourne Hotel November 12th.
We urge all Club Members to attend this great event , which is central to our fundraising this season, following on the success of last year's Dinner.
Please join your fellow Club Members, our Corporate Sponsors, and Friends of the Club on the 12th November at the Shelbourne Hotel for the Club's 2026 Fundraiser Dinner.
Our Master of Ceremonies will be Shane Byrne, and the evening will feature a distinguished panel of rugby speakers including Niall Woods and Nigel Osborne (aka George Hook!) in discussing Ireland's prospects against World Champions South Africa in a vital Test Match that weekend and the upcoming Rugby World Cup in 2027.
This class and atmospheric evening in the magnificent Shelbourne Hotel will also include a three-course dinner with wines and auctioneer Eamon O’ Flaherty will have some spectacular items for auction under the hammer.
Location: The Shelbourne Hotel, 27 St Stephens Green, Dublin 2
Date: Thursday, 12th November 2026
Time: 7pm
Dress: Smart Casual
Cost for a Table of Ten: €2,250
Includes 3-course Dinner, Wines, Guest Speakers, Auction and Raffle.
Contact Erin Dalton on (01) 280 5967 or email admin@blackrockcollegerfc.ie to book your table.
Home and Away Support
We look forward to seeing big numbers out supporting all our teams during the season, especially this Saturday's AIL v City of Armagh. The players need our support.
For the upcoming AIL Home Lunch against Highfield 7th November, book in advance with Conor, Erin, Larry Macken or Paul Brophy.
Ugandan Embassy Function
Many thanks for Cokes and Johnny McGovern for representing the Club so well at the 64th Anniversary Celebrations of Ugandan Independence Day in the Ugandan Embassy.
Sponsors
We thank our Sponsors without whom none of this would be possible.
Yours in Rugby,
Paul Brophy
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