SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL CLUB!!!
Showing posts with label grassroots rugby. Show all posts
Showing posts with label grassroots rugby. Show all posts
Thursday, August 18, 2016
Wednesday, April 27, 2016
€250,000 Up For Grabs with Topaz ‘Cash for Clubs’
Ireland’s Jonathan Sexton kicks off 2016 Campaign with ‘Cash for Clubs’ Challenge
· Top Prize of €10,000
· 10 clubs thereafter will win €5,000
· 140 clubs after this will receive €1,000
On hand to kick off the 2016 campaign was Topaz ambassador and Ireland Rugby international Jonathan Sexton, who has joined Ireland’s leading fuel and convenience retailer in encouraging clubs across the country to sign up and get involved.
With 444 forecourts across the island of Ireland, Topaz is at the heart of Irish communities and recognises the vital role that clubs play in providing opportunities for people of all ages to learn new skills, socialise, and be active. However, fundraising has never been so difficult with clubs struggling to raise much-needed investment to support the services and facilities they provide.
2015 was the first year that Topaz launched the ‘Cash for Clubs’ programme which calls on clubs to harness the support of their members and the local community to participate in their efforts as part of the programme. Last year saw the company award cash prizes of over €250,000 through the initiative with Borrisoleigh GAA Club in County Tipperary winning the main prize of €10,000. Following the success of last year’s promotion, Topaz ‘Cash for Clubs’ is returning for a second year.
Marketing Director of Topaz, Margaret Barron said: “With over 440 forecourts across the island of Ireland, Topaz plays a significant role within communities across the country, each and every day, providing services and employment across our 32 county network. With that, we are very close to communities across Ireland and understand the value of clubs of all shapes and sizes. ‘Cash for Clubs’ was a huge success in its inaugural year in 2015 and this year will see a further €250,000 donated to clubs nationwide. Topaz ‘Cash for Clubs’ is open to clubs of all types and sizes so, whether your local club is big or small, ballet or basketball, gymnastics or GAA, we encourage you to show your support and start collecting tokens at your local Topaz station.”
Topaz ‘Cash for Clubs’ ambassador Jonathan Sexton said: “Clubs, sporting and non-sporting, play a huge role in Irish communities but are constantly faced with the challenge of raising funds to support their upkeep and development. It’s great to be involved in the Topaz ‘Cash for Clubs’ initiative which plays a big part in giving clubs across the country that much-needed helping-hand when it comes to investment. It’s a simple initiative but one that I feel will continue to make a big difference.”
How it works:
The programme works directly through the Topaz Play or Park Loyalty platform. Clubs can register at playorpark.ie/cash-for-clubs (ROI) orplayorpark.co.uk/cash-for-clubs (NI) and, once registered, members of the club and customers in their community can start to collect tokens using a Play or Park gametag which are available in-store or through the Topaz Play or Park app. You’ll receive one token once you spend €30/£20 or more on fuel purchases and once you have linked your gametag to your chosen club your tokens will be automatically allocated to your club. Once a club has collected 2000 tokens, they will be automatically entered into an ‘everyone-wins’ draw:
GRAND PRIZE DRAW:
• 1st Club drawn will win €10,000
• 10 Clubs thereafter will win €5,000 and
• 140 Clubs after this will receive €1,000
• All Clubs thereafter who meet the required token amount will receive €250.
‘Cash for Clubs’ will run for 12 weeks in total beginning Monday 16th May 2016 and ending Sunday 7th August 2016.
#CashForClubs
Thursday, October 23, 2014
Guinness RFC Sports Day
Guinness Rugby Club is running a Sports Day on Monday the 27th of October at 10:30am for any boys or girls, from ages 6 to 16, who are interested in playing Rugby. No experience is needed and this will give kids the opportunity to begin the journey that could take them all the way to the Ireland International Rugby Team!!!
Guinness Rugby Club, ideally located at Iveagh Ground on the Crumlin Road, has been in existence since 1943 and has a proud history, winning many trophies along the way. Our juvenile section is the life blood of the club and new members of all ages will be welcomed with open arms. Our current senior teams have many players who have played at all levels within the club, from minis-12's-14's-16's-18's and 20's.
Following on from the Sports Day, juvenile training takes place every Sunday morning at 10.30am. Again, all are welcome to join.
For the parents, or older relatives who are also interested, senior training takes place on Tuesday and Thursday at 7.30pm - no experience needed so come on down.
To book your place for the Sports Day, or for more information, call: Eddie Tyrrell on 087 227 2761
ATTENTION ALL IRISH CLUB P.R.O.s - FEEL FREE TO SEND ON ANY PROMOTIONAL MATERIAL FOR DISPLAY ON HARPIN ON RUGBY
Tuesday, September 23, 2014
Rock Ladies recognise their Rugby World Cup Stars!
The Ladies of Blackrock College RFC will host an Appreciation Night for Irish Women's Rugby, in particular recognising the success of their Blackrock teammates who represented Ireland at the Women’s Rugby World Cup.
Join us on Friday the 17th of October for a welcome reception and dinner as we honour Tania Rosser, Vikki McGinn and Philip Doyle - all of whom have contributed so much to the development of women's rugby here in Blackrock.
The night will celebrate the achievements of the Ireland women's team - both in terms of the Rugby World Cup this year and their contribution to women’s rugby in Ireland.
We will also pay tribute to a number of Blackrock players who have represented at national level in both 7s and 15s.
Tickets to this event can be purchased for €30.
Call or text Katie on 086 395 3550 to book your tickets today or email blackrockladiesrfc@gmail.com for more info.
CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE BLACKROCK WOMEN'S RUGBY FACEBOOK PAGE
CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE BLACKROCK WOMEN'S RUGBY FACEBOOK PAGE
ATTENTION ALL IRISH CLUB P.R.O.s - FEEL FREE TO SEND ON ANY PROMOTIONAL MATERIAL TO paganoblog@gmail.com FOR DISPLAY ON HARPIN ON RUGBY
Wednesday, September 10, 2014
Ulster Bank League changes - getting there
“Definitely, I’m a first-over-the-line man. In principle, because that shows a lot of consistency throughout the year."
Lansdowne FC coach Mike Ruddock
I can definitely see where coach Ruddock is coming from - first-over-the-line is the fairest way of judging who wins a particular competition.
That's assuming we live in an ideal world, though. And you don't need me to tell you that the world of professional rugby is one that's far from ideal!
For one thing, the AIL season begins this weekend, earlier than before. So essentially it will last as long as the Pro12 season, from September to May.
Perhaps if the 18 league rounds were done in quick succession, and also of course without all the players yo-yoing back and forth to the lineup from the provincial clubs, then no, there shouldn't be a need for a top four system.
But the argument for AIL playoffs within the Irish rugby calendar is pretty much the same as that for the Pro12 within the European one. The showpiece final is necessary to promote the league to a wider audience.
Sure, last season the battle between Belvo and Tarf went down to the wire, but that is never guaranteed. A Grand Final with the championship on the line is always the best way, unfortunate as that may be who can't be fit for the day or suffer a loss of form.
Of course, I would probably lose my blogging license (what are you laughing at? there could be one you know!) if I was totally happy with the new format.
Another thing they have changed is the structure of the divisions...from next season instead of 2 divs of 10 and 2 of 16, there will be 5 divisions of 10. So by my calculations, two clubs will miss the cut. That's not necessarily a bad thing in and of itself.
But I'm not sure if this properly addresses what the AIL needs to be for Irish rugby.
Remember - we're not just talking about squads with provincial academy players filled out by amateurs...many of the latter group would be well able to move up a level talent-wise but choose not to do so because they'd rather (and fair play to them of course) pursue a different day job. And so the standard especially at top AIL matches would surprise many.
Personally, I feel there should be more clubs in the top tier and, much like places in the Rugby Champions Cup are ring-fenced for Scottish & Italian teams, there should be a way to guarantee top flight rugby for at least two clubs from each province (having two would ensure at least a couple of what could be billed as derby matches).
Just look at Division 1A as it stands. Garryowen went down at the end of last season and with a cracking 18 wins out of 18 in Division 1B, Terenure came up to replace them.
That makes for 6 clubs in the top flight from Leinster, 3 from Munster and 1 from Ulster. Corinthians from Galway currently represent the highest-ranked Connacht club and my contention is that it would be better for the Irish game as a whole if they and, say, Galwegians could also have a crack at the national title each season. Plus of course Belfast Harlequins and/or Malone could join Ballynahinch.
So I would advocate a larger top division of as many as 18 clubs (in one stand alone league or perhaps conferences), with my argument being that meritocracy is only good to a point, particularly in what is the third tier of the Irish game and thus must be tailored to help those above it.
And when I say "above it", I am hoping not to forget those below it as well. Hopefully the league final at the Aviva Stadium in May will take the opportunity to highlight the game in all four provinces at all levels...perhaps present captains from trophy winners in junior rugby to the crowd at half-time, or something similar.
Another thing I'd do is treat media coverage of top tier games much like provincial games. Like team announcements all being made by a certain time, pre-match interviews with head coaches, all that stuff. I know last minute changes are prevalent at this level, but still it would make for better copy and thus improve the presentation of the league.
The IRFU have improved the "tables" page in the AIL section of their site by putting all the divisions on one page but ideally I'd prefer if there was a completely separate website devoted to the league with all the relevant news, fixtures, tables and stats.
And although I'd understand why RTE would only be interested in sending in the broadcast cameras for the end of season games, I don't see any harm showing one or two matches throughout the season.
[edit - two hours after publishing this post I learn via the IRFU site that they are to live stream AIL games throughout the season. No, I'm not suggesting it's a reaction to this piece, just a happy coincidence! I'm definitely impressed and will be sure to avail of the service]
Over in England just last weekend they had "Non League Day" where the less fashionable clubs attempted to capitalise on the lack of Premiership action with promos and such. We have a similar weekend just before the Six Nations at the end of January, but no AIL games are scheduled.
But hey...what do I know? I'm just a grumpy blogger. The best way to support club rugby is to play for your local team if you're able, or help and support them if you're not. Best wishes to all the clubs up and down the country for the new season ahead. JLP
That's assuming we live in an ideal world, though. And you don't need me to tell you that the world of professional rugby is one that's far from ideal!
For one thing, the AIL season begins this weekend, earlier than before. So essentially it will last as long as the Pro12 season, from September to May.
Perhaps if the 18 league rounds were done in quick succession, and also of course without all the players yo-yoing back and forth to the lineup from the provincial clubs, then no, there shouldn't be a need for a top four system.
But the argument for AIL playoffs within the Irish rugby calendar is pretty much the same as that for the Pro12 within the European one. The showpiece final is necessary to promote the league to a wider audience.
Sure, last season the battle between Belvo and Tarf went down to the wire, but that is never guaranteed. A Grand Final with the championship on the line is always the best way, unfortunate as that may be who can't be fit for the day or suffer a loss of form.
Of course, I would probably lose my blogging license (what are you laughing at? there could be one you know!) if I was totally happy with the new format.
Another thing they have changed is the structure of the divisions...from next season instead of 2 divs of 10 and 2 of 16, there will be 5 divisions of 10. So by my calculations, two clubs will miss the cut. That's not necessarily a bad thing in and of itself.
But I'm not sure if this properly addresses what the AIL needs to be for Irish rugby.
Remember - we're not just talking about squads with provincial academy players filled out by amateurs...many of the latter group would be well able to move up a level talent-wise but choose not to do so because they'd rather (and fair play to them of course) pursue a different day job. And so the standard especially at top AIL matches would surprise many.
Personally, I feel there should be more clubs in the top tier and, much like places in the Rugby Champions Cup are ring-fenced for Scottish & Italian teams, there should be a way to guarantee top flight rugby for at least two clubs from each province (having two would ensure at least a couple of what could be billed as derby matches).
Just look at Division 1A as it stands. Garryowen went down at the end of last season and with a cracking 18 wins out of 18 in Division 1B, Terenure came up to replace them.
That makes for 6 clubs in the top flight from Leinster, 3 from Munster and 1 from Ulster. Corinthians from Galway currently represent the highest-ranked Connacht club and my contention is that it would be better for the Irish game as a whole if they and, say, Galwegians could also have a crack at the national title each season. Plus of course Belfast Harlequins and/or Malone could join Ballynahinch.
So I would advocate a larger top division of as many as 18 clubs (in one stand alone league or perhaps conferences), with my argument being that meritocracy is only good to a point, particularly in what is the third tier of the Irish game and thus must be tailored to help those above it.
And when I say "above it", I am hoping not to forget those below it as well. Hopefully the league final at the Aviva Stadium in May will take the opportunity to highlight the game in all four provinces at all levels...perhaps present captains from trophy winners in junior rugby to the crowd at half-time, or something similar.
Another thing I'd do is treat media coverage of top tier games much like provincial games. Like team announcements all being made by a certain time, pre-match interviews with head coaches, all that stuff. I know last minute changes are prevalent at this level, but still it would make for better copy and thus improve the presentation of the league.
The IRFU have improved the "tables" page in the AIL section of their site by putting all the divisions on one page but ideally I'd prefer if there was a completely separate website devoted to the league with all the relevant news, fixtures, tables and stats.
And although I'd understand why RTE would only be interested in sending in the broadcast cameras for the end of season games, I don't see any harm showing one or two matches throughout the season.
[edit - two hours after publishing this post I learn via the IRFU site that they are to live stream AIL games throughout the season. No, I'm not suggesting it's a reaction to this piece, just a happy coincidence! I'm definitely impressed and will be sure to avail of the service]
Over in England just last weekend they had "Non League Day" where the less fashionable clubs attempted to capitalise on the lack of Premiership action with promos and such. We have a similar weekend just before the Six Nations at the end of January, but no AIL games are scheduled.
But hey...what do I know? I'm just a grumpy blogger. The best way to support club rugby is to play for your local team if you're able, or help and support them if you're not. Best wishes to all the clubs up and down the country for the new season ahead. JLP
Tuesday, September 02, 2014
Clondalkin RFC girls' under-18s rugby trial this Sunday Sep 7
ATTENTION ALL IRISH CLUB P.R.O.s - FEEL FREE TO SEND ON ANY PROMOTIONAL MATERIAL FOR DISPLAY ON HARPIN ON RUGBY
Tuesday, August 19, 2014
Old Belvedere Ladies Rugby Open Night
CLICK HERE TO VIEW FACEBOOK PAGE
ATTENTION ALL IRISH CLUB P.R.O.s - FEEL FREE TO SEND ON ANY PROMOTIONAL MATERIAL FOR DISPLAY ON HARPIN ON RUGBY
Let The Grassroots Grow
for regular coverage of the grassroots game throughout the season, you simply must bookmark Knockon.ie. Click the screengrab to visit
“Ha! I knew it! The girls are barely home from Paris and already he’s forgotten about them! Typical!” said nobody. I hope. ;-)
Seriously though on that note, while HarpinOnRugby returns to normal in a couple of weeks as the senior men’s season gets into full swing, we have vowed to change what we consider to be “normal” in that over the coming season we will cover the Irish women’s AIL, Interprovincials and Six Nations to the best of our ability. Hopefully other sites will follow suit.
But I do have a concern…for although the men’s game commands the majority of the public’s attention, this can not be said for the men playing at AIL level and below.
As we push to ensure that the women’s game flourishes on the back of the success over the past couple of weeks, let us also add that there are amateur clubs all over the country catering to men, women and children playing the wonderful game.
Their needs for players, administrators, volunteers and of course funding will not have changed, and we must never forget this fact.
I have harped on for ages here about ways the club game can be restructured to make the game more appealing…
- Redesign the AIL to ensure at least 2 clubs from each province are always in the top tier
- Bring back the Top 4 playoffs to decide the champions, ensuring the club game national attention at least once per year
- Consider the draft system used in Scottish rugby whereby grassroots clubs take turns handpicking professionals to represent them for a season and get involved in promotional events & coaching sessions throughout the season.
- Improve the exposure of the AIL with a dedicated website.
But these are just ideas, and ones that certainly won’t happen this season if at all. Plus, they are obviously just aimed at the clubs at the top end of the system; no doubt there are many more which would involve all clubs regardless of level.
For now, if we can all just vow to do more for club rugby this season than we did last, the game will definitely benefit. JLP
Monday, August 18, 2014
Blackrock College Ladies RFC - give it a try
CLICK HERE TO VIEW FACEBOOK PAGE
ATTENTION ALL IRISH CLUB P.R.O.s - FEEL FREE TO SEND ON ANY PROMOTIONAL MATERIAL FOR DISPLAY ON HARPIN ON RUGBY
Sunday, August 17, 2014
Suttonians WRFC - new players welcome
CLICK THE PHOTO TO VIEW FACEBOOK PAGE
ATTENTION ALL IRISH CLUB P.R.O.s - FEEL FREE TO SEND ON ANY PROMOTIONAL MATERIAL FOR DISPLAY ON HARPIN ON RUGBY
Tuesday, March 25, 2014
Nigel Owens to take charge of the Battle of Clontarf
World Class Referee Nigel Owens will be the Man in the Middle as Clontarf Rugby welcomes the World Famous Barbarians RFC to Castle Avenue
Clontarf Rugby are delighted to announce that Welsh referee Nigel Owens has been confirmed to take charge of the Dankse Bank Challenge between Clontarf and the Barbarians on April 23rd in Castle Avenue. Kick-Off is 5.30pm.
Owens, a television presenter in his native Wales is one of the most recognisable referees in world rugby and was the only Welsh referee at the 2007 and 2011 World Cups. He has taken charge of many of Ireland’s high-profile games and made headlines in 2012 by addressing a player who was acting up with the line “This is not soccer”.
The evening before the game, April 22nd, the club will be hosting “An Evening with Nigel Owens” in a purpose built marquee that will be in place for the duration of the 1014 celebrations in the club.
Tickets for the event are priced at €20 and are available from behind the bar in the Clontarf Rugby Club, or by calling the office on 01-8336214.
Follow Clontarf Rugby on Twitter: https://twitter.com/ClontarfRugby
And Facebook: www.facebook.com/ClontarfRugby
ATTENTION ALL CLUB P.R.O.s
FEEL FREE TO SEND ON INFO ON RECRUITMENT OR UPCOMING EVENTS TO US AND WE’LL HELP YOU PROMOTE IT
Monday, March 10, 2014
Rugby Union AM
Calling all Irish rugby clubs! Let @RugbyUnionAM help showcase your best moments on the pitch…
Rugby Union AM is an online rugby programme showcasing the best bits from every level of rugby. Great tries, big hits and anything else that you want to see!
We want to showcase your club’s best moments, so if you have seen something great on the field and have it on camera, let us know about it by emailing info@rugbyunionam.com.
For more information, visit our social media channels below.
https://www.facebook.com/RugbyUnionAM
https://twitter.com/RugbyUnionAM
https://www.youtube.com/user/RugbyUnionAM
NB - We at HarpinOnRugby are happy to help RugbyUnionAM in their search for material though we have no direct involvement in the project.
Sunday, March 02, 2014
DLSP FC Competition
Help a rugby club and you could win a mind-blowing first prize. Not a bad deal if you ask me!
First of all, we at HarpinOnRugby want to make it clear that this competition is nothing to do with us.
Not that we’re ashamed of it, mind you - we’d be more than happy to give away prizes like this!
De la Salle Palmerston FC are doing some fund raising and for just a €10 donation you could win one of the following…
In aid of De La Salle Palmerston FC Rugby Fund
1st prize :
- Trip for 2 incl flights, accommodation,transfers and match tickets to Italy Vs Ireland in Rome 7th Feb 2015
- 2 Tickets to Ireland Vs France Saturday February 14th 2015
- 2 Tickets to Ireland Vs England Sunday 1st March 2015
- Trip for 2 incl. flights, accommodation, transfers & match tickets to Wales Vs Ireland in Cardiff 14th March 2015
- Trip for 2 incl. flights, accommodation , transfers & match tickets to Scotland v Ireland in Edinburgh 21st March 2015
2nd Prize:
2 Tickets for Ireland Vs South Africa at the Aviva on Saturday 8th November 2014
2 Tickets for Ireland Vs Australia at the Aviva on Saturday 22nd November 2014
3rd Prize:
4 ball at The Castle Golf Club in Rathfarnham and 4 tickets to Leinster Vs Munster at the Aviva on Saturday 29th March 2014
Draw to take place on Saturday 15th March at half time in the France Vs Ireland game in The Glenside, Churchtown.
ATTENTION ALL IRISH CLUB PROs
If you would like HarpinOnRugby to help promote your event feel free to send details to paganoblog@gmail.com
Friday, February 21, 2014
Comórtas Rugbaí 2014
Beidh an chéad ‘Comórtas Rugbaí’ riamh ar siúl i gCorca Dhuibhne ar an deireadh seachtaine 11/12ú Aibreán 2014.
Comórtas rugbaí deichniúr an taobh atá i gceist, agus é oscailte do fhoirne fir agus mná. Tosnóidh an deireadh seachtaine le BBQ oíche Aoine, beidh na cluichí ar siúl ar feadh an lae ar an Satharn agus cuirfear clabhsúr leis na himeachtaí le oíche shóisialta agus bronnadh duaiseanna i mBaile na nGall ar oíche Shatharn.
The first ever Comórtas Rugbaí will take place on the Dingle Penninsula on the weekend of 11th and 12th of April 2014.
Comórtas Rugbaí is a great opportunity for teams to visit one of the world’s most beautiful places, enjoy the craic, hospitality and culture of the Dingle area while playing rugby in Europe’s most westerly rugby club at the foot of Mt Brandon looking out at the wild Atlantic Ocean and picking up the 'cúpla focal' as well.
The 10-a-side rugby competition will be open to adult male and female teams and will run throughout the day on Saturday. Friday night will see a welcome BBQ and drinks, with a closing ceremony taking place in Bally David on Saturday night.
The aim of the Comórtas is to promote the use of Irish through rugby. Teams will be required to enter with a team name as Gaeilge, the rules and refereeing will be applied as Gaeilge. Each team will also be provided with a list of rugby terms and useful phrases as Gaeilge to use over the weekend.
The cost of entry is €150 per team which includes the opening and closing parties. 'Comórtas Rugbaí' is organised by the local rugby club, 'Rugbaí Chorca Dhuibhne'.
If you would like more information please get in contact with us at comortasrugbai@gmail.com or call Shane on 085-6061206.
Thursday, November 21, 2013
Leinster Schools Senior Cup 2014 Preview
The Leinster Schools Senior Cup 2014 is just over two months away from beginning and the pre-cup ‘friendlies’ have been going weekly since September. The Leinster Schools Senior Cup Facebook page has compiled a preview of the 2014 edition of the competition.
Blackrock having won the competition in March are strong favourites to retain the trophy, with seven returning from the team that won the Senior Cup, they have had a very strong pre-season to date. Highlight wins include a 61-5 win over St Marys, a 29-19 win over Clongowes and 29-5 win over Terenure. The Blackrock side includes Leinster U18 Representative Jack Power and Leinster U19 Representative Nick Timoney.
St Michael’s have also had a good season to date with good wins over CBC Cork and Clongowes, 21-0 and 17-15 respectively. St Michael’s have eight representatives with Leinster including James Ryan and Adam Leavy, although 2014 may prove a year too early for this young team.
Clongowes on the other hand have had a respectable but below par pre-season to date recording two loses against St Michaels and Blackrock, although they had a good victory against Belvedere winning 22-13. The Clongowes side includes Fergal Cleary, a Leinster U19 and Ireland U18 representative.
Belvedere have a made good progress as well in pre-cup season, with good wins over Terenure and Castleknock 19-15 and 24-11 respectively but also playing out an impressive 12-12 draw with St Michaels. The Belvedere side includes Leinster U19 Representative James Doyle and Leinster U18 Representative Jack Hutchinson.
St Marys have also had a good pre-season recording a very impressive 29-7 win over Belvedere and also defeating Sligo Grammar 27-0 although they had a bad loss to pre-tournament favourites Blackrock, losing out 61-5.
Terenure have had a disappointing pre-season to date having lost to Belvedere and Blackrock 19-15 and 29-5 respectively. The Terenure side includes Leinster U19 Representative Tim Schmidt.
Newbridge are being considered as the dark horses of the 2014 competition, this is backed up with their squad who reached the semi-final and final of the Junior Cup in 2011 and 2012. Their league form has shown that the side is considerably good, picking up wins over Cistercian College, Roscrea 12-0, CBC Monkstown 24-7 and a massive 86-0 win over Presentation College Bray. The Newbridge side includes Leinster U18 Representative Jimmy O’Brien and Leinster U19 Representative Hugh O’Donnell.
Castleknock have also had a good league season topping their section, with wins over Gonzaga 22-5, Wesley 18-9 and Kings Hospital 18-3, however they recorded a 24-11 loss over Belvedere. The Castleknock side includes U18 Representative Sean O’Hare.
Cistercian College, Roscrea having reached the semi-final of the 2013 competition return back this time with a considerably less talented squad but their league results have not reflected this picking up victories against St Andrew 18-17, St Gerards 10-8 and CBC Monkstown 28-15. The Roscrea side includes Leinster U18 representatives Dan Lavelle and Tim Foley.
St Andrews having not qualified for the 2013 competition have had a good league run finishing third to automatically qualify for the 2014 competition. St Andrews have had many good results throughout the season so far, highlights include a 48-0 victory against Presentation Bray, a 22-22 draw against Newbridge and a 23-11 victory against CBC Monkstown. The St Andrews side includes Leinster U18 Representative Greg Jones.
The draw for the Leinster Schools Senior Cup is taking place on Monday the 9th of December 2013.
Remember to like Leinster Schools Senior Cup on Facebook and follow @LSSeniorCup on Twitter.
Friday, August 16, 2013
Ray D'Arcy DID play "a bit of rugby"
In our latest Roots & All feature, Robbie Doyle from Cill Dara RFC tells us about another rugby playing D’Arcy from Leinster…
Ever since Today FM broadcaster & Kildare Town native, Ray D'Arcy, mentioned a few years ago on his radio show to his then guest, Brian O'Driscoll, that he played "a bit of rugby," he has been subject to constant (albeit good-natured) ridicule from his friends, workmates and listeners to the show. No more..
Drico was immediately stunned and humbled by this revelation (sort of...) and graciously allowed a photo record of his discovery to be made for all who doubted Ray's past prowess on the rugby pitch.
We in Cill Dara Rugby Club, however, have long known the truth that Ray was indeed once our club captain and a decent centre in his day, renowned and feared by opponents for his defensive ability. So lift your head up Ray, and forever more say: "I didn't just play a bit of rugby, you know. I was once actually the captain of a rugby club!"
Many thanks to Nicola Cross - NC Photography - for taking the photographs on the day.
Click here for the Cill Dara RFC website
If you’re a PRO and would like your rugby club featured in Roots & All, send your copy & media to paganoblog@gmail.com
Friday, May 10, 2013
Tag Rugby Blitz for Spinal Injuries Ireland
Please give your full support and contact tagbyblitz@gmail.com for further details.
Click here for the Spinal Injuries Ireland website
Thursday, May 02, 2013
Naas RFC–update #18
Roots & All is a project where we pick a few teams that don’t normally make the spotlight week in week out and feature them regularly throughout an entire campaign.
This is the final update from Naas RFC and we here at HoR would like to congratulate them for such a succesful season as well as to thank Michael and the club for keeping us regularly updated since last August!
HAPPY 90th NAAS RFC
Firstly thanks to HarpinOnRugby for the opportunity to let the world or part of it anyway, know how Naas RFC was doing week to week through out the Season. What a season it has been, back last August when I submitted my first ever blog I wondered would there be enough material to be able to produce a piece every 2 weeks, well the boys and girls of Naas RFC didn’t let me down and came up with the goods and here we are 20 blogs later!!
This is our 90th season playing rugby in Naas and when you take in the whole club from Minis and Youths to the Seniors and all the non playing members it has been an extremely productive, enjoyable and exciting season culminating in promotion but I don’t want that to overshadow the achievements in other areas of the club
SO TO THE SEASON WRAP-UP
Naas seniors:
In the Season that Naas celebrated their 90 season the ultimate desired goal was to get promoted from division 2B to division 2A and the boys didn’t let us down. The top two teams got automatic promotion and the third place finished would have a playoff against the third last team in the higher division.
This situation made for an exciting end to the season with Rainey OB finishing on top not loosing any games and only drawing the one match, against Naas, the runners up spot was a battle between the two Kildare teams, and it finished with both teams on the same number of points but Naas were piped to second spot only by points difference, even though Naas had beaten NUIM Barnhall back at the beginning of the league and although they had lost more games than Naas they pick up more try bonus points over the course of the league.
So after the last ball was kicked it was to be a single playoff match away against Greystones RFC. This was going to be one biggest games the club has played.
From the kick off Naas wanted this more that Greystones.
A Perfect Day for Naas! Saturday, 20th April 2013, KO 14.30 hrs
Naas seniors travelled to Dr. Hickey Park on Saturday (20th April) to take on Greystones in their promotion/relegation play-off which would determine whether or not they would be promoted to Division 2A next season for the first time in their clubs history. Conditions on the day were dry with glorious sunshine and a strong gusting sea breeze, which Naas played into in the first half, and there was a large gathering of supporters for both teams. Naas wings Johnny Delaney and Rob Campbell were brilliant and scored two exceptional tries each from a total of six tries, three of which were in the first period. Greystones stayed right in touch in the first period thanks to their exceptionally talented outhalf, Andrew Kealy who scored a try together with three penalties and a conversion which saw Naas lead by the narrowest of margins (17-16) at the interval. However in the second period Naas, with the wind at their backs, charged ahead following a second stunning try from Johnny Delaney and superb penalty and conversion from fullback David Aherne in the third quarter. Two further brilliant tries from the influential Naas backrow Misioka Timoteo and second row David Benn put the game beyond Greystones, despite their late converted try scored by wing Jonathan Butterworth.
So it finish up with a superb Naas performance going over for 6 tries and winning 44-23 and the celebrations that followed went late into the night. Add to the promotion Naas Seniors were runners up in the cup and went through the full season losing only 3 games.
| Pos | Team | Pl | W | D | L | F | A | Diff | TB | LB | Pts |
| 1 | Rainey OB | 15 | 14 | 1 | 0 | 457 | 167 | 290 | 9 | 0 | 67 |
| 2 | NUIM Barnhall | 15 | 11 | 0 | 4 | 532 | 230 | 302 | 9 | 3 | 56 |
| 3 | Naas RFC | 15 | 12 | 1 | 2 | 454 | 220 | 234 | 5 | 1 | 56 |
| 4 | Nenagh Ormond | 15 | 11 | 0 | 4 | 362 | 211 | 151 | 6 | 3 | 53 |
| 5 | Boyne | 15 | 10 | 0 | 5 | 299 | 268 | 31 | 3 | 3 | 46 |
| 6 | Armagh | 15 | 9 | 1 | 5 | 342 | 205 | 137 | 4 | 3 | 45 |
| 7 | Skerries | 15 | 8 | 2 | 5 | 355 | 256 | 99 | 4 | 3 | 43 |
| 8 | Navan RFC | 15 | 8 | 2 | 5 | 310 | 309 | 1 | 4 | 3 | 43 |
| 9 | Sligo | 15 | 5 | 1 | 9 | 240 | 313 | -73 | 3 | 3 | 28 |
| 10 | Suttonians | 15 | 5 | 0 | 10 | 285 | 343 | -58 | 3 | 3 | 26 |
| 11 | Instonians | 15 | 6 | 0 | 9 | 220 | 413 | -193 | 1 | 0 | 25 |
| 12 | Thomond | 15 | 4 | 1 | 10 | 256 | 321 | -65 | 1 | 5 | 24 |
| 13 | Ards | 15 | 5 | 0 | 10 | 216 | 384 | -168 | 2 | 1 | 23 |
| 14 | Sundays Well | 15 | 3 | 1 | 11 | 226 | 353 | -127 | 1 | 6 | 21 |
| 15 | Clonakilty | 15 | 2 | 2 | 11 | 237 | 387 | -150 | 1 | 5 | 18 |
| 16 | Connemara | 15 | 1 | 0 | 14 | 161 | 572 | -411 | 0 | 0 | 4 |
U21’s
Also had a great season, winning their league for the 3rd year in succession and last week adding the cup to their haul – this is the first time a Leinster U21 team has pulled off the double so the future of the first team looks secure for the future.
Naas U21s Achieve Unprecedented League and Cup Double
21st April 2013, De La Salle Palmerstown, Kilternan
Naas Under 21s travelled to Kilternan on Sunday 21 April to take on Seapoint in the final of the Purcell Cup. Having already won the JP Fanagan Pennant league/Conal Owens Cup on 10th March they were hoping for the double which had not previously been achieved in the same season by any club. Naas had done extremely well to advance to the Purcell Cup final having beaten Old Wesley, Dublin University and Coolmine en route but were aiming for highest honours. The wet and soft underfoot conditions ensured that the game would be played at close quarters and the scoring margins were to remain tight throughout. At the interval it was Naas who led from two superb penalties kicks by John Jennings all that separated the sides. An early unconverted try in the second period scored by the Seapoint wing made for the closest of contests but in the final analysis it was the exceptional defensive team performance of Naas that proved too much for Seapoint.
Final Score 9-5 to Naas
J1’s
Had a successful league campaign, got to the ¼ finals of the Provincial towns cup and the semifinals of the Provincial Towns Plate.
J3’s
Have won their way through to the Spears Cup final on the 2nd May
J4’s
Got to the Semi final of the Provincial Towns Cup (Michael Dunne Cup) and this week 29/04/13 they won the Area cup “The Scully Cup” beating Clondalkin RFC 29-13.
U19’s
Got to the North Midlands Final, the Division 1 playoff final, and the ¼ final of the D’Arcy U19’s Cup. The annual Mike Higgins game v Newbridge SCT ended in victory for Newbridge who had an overwhelming selection of Ex Naas players. We had a great turnout of our wild geese from the other rugby schools for the game, with 4 from Blackrock, 1 from Roscrea, Terenure and Kilkenny as well as two from Clongowes. Both squads enjoyed the game and the aftermath even more. A great club event which bonds our young players like no other.
In addition to club commitments the Naas CBS senior cup team made up of Naas un 19, un 17 won the McMullen Schools Cup and the Sec A League Final for the second year in a row also. This was the first year for the team to win both league and cup in the one season.
Team Captain Mark Rush represented Leinster at un 19. Luke McCormack, Stephen Lackey and David McGrath are part of the North midlands development squad. In addition a former squad member and still under age , Adam Byrne now in UCD, was capped for Leinster in the Rabo Direct Pro12 and Leinster A in the B&I Cup.
U17’s
Got through to Leinster Premier league 1/4 finals, lost to Navan in Culleton cup 1/4 finals & Beat Cill Dara on 1st May in the North Midlands Area Final 27-13. 4 players got though to Leinster Youths summer training squad & 2 players through to Leinster U17 training squad.
U15’s
Progressed to the semi finals of both the North Midland Area and Leinster leagues
U14’s
The Club squad reached the north midlands semi final and the quarter final of the league and Won the Leinster Plate final on 1st May against Cill Dara 27-14. The school/youth side also reached the quarter final of the league and did well in the Leinster plate competition.
U13’s
Have made it through to 3 semi finals.
They lost to Portlaoise in the semi of the premier league.
The semi of the North Midlands Area with a fixture V Newbridge is due to happen sometime w/e 9th of May date and time to be confirmed.
They will contest the final of the McGowan Cup which takes place on Monday 6th May in Donnybrook. They got there playing all our fixtures away from home including an impressive victory away to Navan in the quarters.
U12’s
Had a very successful last season in the non competitive mini’s section next season they move to full 15’s competitive rugby and in preparation for that they have had a few 15 aside games over the last couple of weeks. First up was a curtain raiser to the Seniors Playoff match which the u12’s won 5-0 then last weekend they travelled to Mullingar to take part in a 15 aside blitz. They played 4 matches winning 3 and drawing 1 scoring 16 tries and only conceding 2 – looks good for next season. They also came away with the cup for the “best overall team” from a blitz in Clonmel RFC last month. This age group with 80 Boys training and playing matches is the largest group in the club and it ill be interesting to see will that group be the first group to have 3 teams at U13 next season
The Mini’s
Rapped up their season with an awards party on the 21st April after a successful season where all the boys and girls played and trained very well.
Girl’s Rugby
Last season saw the revival of girl’s rugby in Naas and this season saw the first running of the official Leinster Leagues for U15 and U18 girls. The two team’s did very well with the U18’s finishing 3rd in the league and winning the Leinster Plate Competition last weekend in Wicklow this is the first time that a Leinster Girls trophy has been won by Naas.
Off the Pitch
The club awards and end of season evening happens on the 3rd of May.
Naas Strictly Come Dancing is back on the 3rd June after an extremely successful first outing last year. The dancers will be put through their paces over the 6 week period prior to the big night.
The AGM is coming up in Mid May. Date TBC.
The annual Rugby Summer camp will take place in August details to follow.
Thanks again to HoR and thank you for reading and taking an interest.
Until the next time take care and remember :
“After each game you want be able to say that you gave it all you could and that you gave it your best, leave it on the field.”
- unknown
You can continue follow Naas RFC online at
www.naasrugby.com - facebook.com/NaasRugby - www.twitter.com/NaasRFC
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D4tress
Taken by JLP from RDS press box on Nov 16, 2019