President's Message 7.1.26

Happy New Year to everyone. I hope you had an enjoyable Christmas and are recharged and ready for the second half of the season.

While there have been no games since my last President’s message before Christmas, there was still lots of Club activities taking place.

The visit of Santa on the Sunday before Christmas was great fun and a massive success. I certainly enjoyed the morning along with the kids, coaches and Parents… the nicest mulled wine I’ve had in a while! A huge thanks goes to Dave Rhatigan, Anita Murphy, Bex Coughlan and the Minis/Youths Committee for organising the event. It was wonderful to see so many Mums helping out and the kids had a ball.

St Stephen’s Day saw the GOAL mile in Stradbrook. It was lovely to see so many families partaking, running off the turkey and raising much needed funds for a very worthy cause.The weather was very kind to us. A big shout out to Conor Coghlan, Simon Mullen and Dave Boyd for ensuring the day ran smoothly. It was lovely to see John O Shea in the Club supporting the event. He regaled us with many funny stories. I’d also like to thank Paul Clinch for organising the fun Tag rugby, it looked like some great numbers out on the pitch.

The Club's Annual Race Day for Leopardstown's Christmas Festival on Sunday, December 28th was a complete sellout and a resounding success. Well done to Pat Finn for organising a fantastic event in the Panoramic Suite, a stunning room overlooking the finishing line and top class racing. It was a mixed day on the betting front but everyone enjoyed themselves immensely. It was wonderful to see 36 members of the wider Brophy clan in attendance. We have booked the same date in Leopardstown next year.

Back to rugby this weekend where our Men’s firsts return to AIL action on Saturday in the return fixture away to Old Wesley in Donnybrook. We will be hoping to turn Wesley over after narrowly losing to a last minute try before Christmas.

Our Castle 3rds play Old Wesley at home on Saturday. Last weekend's game vs BGF Ravens was called off late due to a frozen pitch.

Our Women’s 1sts look to continue their winning ways when they play Cooke in Stradbrook at 5pm on Saturday. I know our players would love to see as many of you out lending support. It really does make a difference.

The final fixture this weekend is our u17s resume with a match vs Coolmine at home with a 12 noon ko on Sunday.

You will see further down in the Newsletter that we have nailed down a date for this year’s Golf Classic… Thursday, 21^st May in Milltown Golf Club. Please put the date in your diary and more details will follow shortly.

It's nice to be back after the Christmas break. Here’s to better luck with injuries and results on the pitch in 2026.

Thanks for your ongoing support.

Mick

Mick Dwan

President 2025/ 2026

Blackrock College RFC