President's Message 5.2.26

Another week of rain on the East coast which is testing all our patience! I know it is frustrating for many of our players, particularly the Minis and Youths, that many games and training have had to be cancelled due to unplayable pitches. The rainfall in the last 3 weeks is unprecedented in this part of the country. Seeing the damage to people’s homes and businesses from the floods puts rugby cancellations into perspective.

Anyway, our Men’s firsts played UCC in the Mardyke last Saturday on an excellent pitch. In a very tight match we were somewhat unfortunate to lose 13-19 with a losing bonus point the only small consolation. A yellow card in the first half proved costly as we conceded 14 points when down to 14 men. However, we fought back bravely and were very unlucky not to score a winning try in the last minute when we were incorrectly pinged for crossing on the UCC line. In fact, the referee admitted his mistake after the game but that was little consolation to the players, management and travelling supporters.

We face Naas in a crucial game at home this Saturday. I am calling on everyone to get down and support the lads. Strong vocal support really does make a difference.

Our Women’s AIL squad had the weekend off but head to the South East this Saturday to play Tullow at 5pm. We are lying 2^nd in the AIL table with 55 points, 4 behind leaders UL Bohemians and 10 ahead of third placed Railway Union. We are still awaiting a date for our Women’s J1s Metro Cup final vs Railway Union. The game has been postponed a couple of times due to the inclement weather.

Our J1s and Castle 3rds games were called off last weekend due to unplayable pitches. The J1s are back in action this Sunday at home vs Barnhall with a 12 noon kick off.

Our u20s suffered a heavy defeat on Sunday to Clontarf. Our relatively small squad were hit with a spate of injuries before ko and shipped a number of injuries during the game. The team displayed fantastic bravery in the face of this adversity.

The u20s are heading to Bristol this weekend, starting with an early flight on Friday morning followed by a game at 2pm vs Bristol University. On Saturday there will be a tour of the Bristol Bears training facility which will be followed by a Q&A with some of the Bristol Bears players before returning to Dublin on Sunday. Thanks to the u20s Management team for arranging such an exciting trip. I hope everyone has a ball!

Our u17s had a super 26-14 win away in Ashbourne on Sunday. Some lovely photos at the match of the two Peters (Quinn & Fortune) on the Supporters WhatsApp group… two stalwarts of the Club. The u17s are scheduled to face Skerries in a home fixture at 12 noon this Sunday. Well done to everyone involved with this fantastic group of young men.

It's also great to see the future of the club is in safe hands with The Cubs restarting again for their second year. Best of luck to all the minis and youths teams in their training and matches this weekend.

Congrats to Ciaran Mangan who started his first game for Leinster vs Edinburgh last Saturday. He acquitted himself very well.

We as a Club are very pleased to take part in the IRFU’s Respect our Game initiative this weekend. See more about it in the article below. I am looking forward to celebrate the contribution of Mike Conn at the pre match lunch this Saturday. Mike is a stalwart of our Club and has given so much of his time voluntarily over many years. Thank you, Mike.

A big Six Nations weekend coming up. We wish our two Club members, Thomas Clarkson and Tommy O Brien the very best vs France tonight. Good luck also to Derry Moloney who starts on the wing for the Irish u20s vs France on Saturday night. Go well lads.

I’d like to wish the best of luck to all those playing in the last 16 of the Leinster Schools Cup next week, including Blackrock College who play the winner of St Gerards and Pres Bray next Tuesday at 3pm in Energia Park.

Let’s get out in numbers and support our teams this weekend.

All the best,

Mick

Mick Dwan

President 2025/ 2026

Blackrock College RFC