Welcome once again to Hamilton Park for our continuing Ulster Bank I am delighted to extend my sincere good wishes to Clare and to all of your League Campaign against Naas RFC. club officials, members, players and supporters on the occasion of our Ulster Bank League encounter at Hamilton Park which, being in the shadow of A warm welcome from all at Sligo Rugby Club to Rory Larkin President Knocknarea Mountain and on the Atlantic coast, is uniquely renowned for of Naas Rugby Club, his team and travelling supporters. its exceptional scenic beauty. After our break for the ecstasy followed by the agony of the two 6 Nations I would also like to sincerely thank all of the officials, members, players games we are back for this highly anticipated game. and supporters of Naas RFC who have travelled west to Strandhill for the game and I know we are all looking forward very much to experiencing the I'm delighted to welcome the young players from both Sligo and Naas and great hospitality for which Sligo is so well renowned and which we have been hope they enjoy their involvement in the days rugby. well informed of by our Vice President, Jim Casey who also hails from the shadow of Knocknarea. I would like to mention Sligo RFC has today teamed up with Crumlin Childrens I believe that we can all look forward to another superb contest of rugby Hospital in order to raise awareness locally based on how popular and exciting last seasons game at Forenaughts of the Fix Crumlin Fund proved, when on that occasion Sligo finished strongest with a score of 30- www.fixcrumlin.ie 13. Whilst Naas are currently having a very successful season, having They are currently trying to raise €4m in only lost one of their nine games to date, it is also the case that Sligo, whilst order to complete the construction of a vital in mid table position have only lost one home game this season and we are new Cardiac Unit and to improve their therefore expecting a formidable challenge from the Strandhill men. Cancer Ward. Please see the back page of the programme for further details. Finally, I would like to wish both Captains, Tadhg Power and Sam Sutton, and both the Naas and Let's hope for an exciting and enjoyable Sligo teams the very best on the field today and for day and hope to see you all in the Club- the remainder of the season and most especially I house post match where we can renew old will be hoping for a game free of injuries for both acquaintances and make new ones! teams.

Clare Storey Rory Larkin President President Sligo RFC Naas RFC

Cover photo—Sligo RFC Juvenile Section Welcome once again to Hamilton Park for our continuing Ulster Bank I am delighted to extend my sincere good wishes to Clare and to all of your League Campaign against Naas RFC. club officials, members, players and supporters on the occasion of our Ulster Bank League encounter at Hamilton Park which, being in the shadow of A warm welcome from all at Sligo Rugby Club to Rory Larkin President Knocknarea Mountain and on the Atlantic coast, is uniquely renowned for of Naas Rugby Club, his team and travelling supporters. its exceptional scenic beauty. After our break for the ecstasy followed by the agony of the two 6 Nations I would also like to sincerely thank all of the officials, members, players games we are back for this highly anticipated game. and supporters of Naas RFC who have travelled west to Strandhill for the game and I know we are all looking forward very much to experiencing the I'm delighted to welcome the young players from both Sligo and Naas and great hospitality for which Sligo is so well renowned and which we have been hope they enjoy their involvement in the days rugby. well informed of by our Vice President, Jim Casey who also hails from the shadow of Knocknarea. I would like to mention Sligo RFC has today teamed up with Crumlin Childrens I believe that we can all look forward to another superb contest of rugby Hospital in order to raise awareness locally based on how popular and exciting last seasons game at Forenaughts of the Fix Crumlin Fund proved, when on that occasion Sligo finished strongest with a score of 30- www.fixcrumlin.ie 13. Whilst Naas are currently having a very successful season, having They are currently trying to raise €4m in only lost one of their nine games to date, it is also the case that Sligo, whilst order to complete the construction of a vital in mid table position have only lost one home game this season and we are new Cardiac Unit and to improve their therefore expecting a formidable challenge from the Strandhill men. Cancer Ward. Please see the back page of the programme for further details. Finally, I would like to wish both Captains, Tadhg Power and Sam Sutton, and both the Naas and Let's hope for an exciting and enjoyable Sligo teams the very best on the field today and for day and hope to see you all in the Club- the remainder of the season and most especially I house post match where we can renew old will be hoping for a game free of injuries for both acquaintances and make new ones! teams.

Clare Storey Rory Larkin President President Sligo RFC Naas RFC

Cover photo—Sligo RFC Juvenile Section Sligo RFC Ladies Calendar

Sponsors

The Glasshouse Hotel The Sligo Ladies Rugby team have had great recent successes on the pitch, winning the Connaght Development League two years in a row and organising a hugely successful ‘Take me Out ‘ evening for Sligo Rugby Club. The team decided that a calendar was definitely next on the list and so the ladies rugby team have come up with a unique way to raise funds for the North West Hospice and Sligo Rugby Club! The brave ladies team have put together a 2013 calendar to bare all for this worthy cause!

The calendar features most of our ladies players in uniquely posed shots taken by the very talented local photographer, Suzy McCanny whose studio is based in Wine St Sligo.

Their cause, the North West Hospice is dedicated to helping people with life limiting illness improve their quality of life and find relief from Cosgrove’s Centra Maugheraboy symptoms, pain and stress. It has been helping the community for 25 years and is continuously in need of support and funds as it is a part of the community that reaches out to many families around the Sligo, Leitrim and South Donegal.

Calendars can be purchased for €10 each in stores around Sligo making them an excellent Christmas present so make sure you get yours early!

The Ladies calendar will also be available to purchase from the Sligo Rugby Club website www.sligorfc.ie and the Northwest Hospice website and www.northwesthospice.ie just log on to buy yours! Sligo RFC Ladies Calendar

Sponsors

The Glasshouse Hotel The Sligo Ladies Rugby team have had great recent successes on the pitch, winning the Connaght Development League two years in a row and organising a hugely successful ‘Take me Out ‘ evening for Sligo Rugby Club. The team decided that a calendar was definitely next on the list and so the ladies rugby team have come up with a unique way to raise funds for the North West Hospice and Sligo Rugby Club! The brave ladies team have put together a 2013 calendar to bare all for this worthy cause!

The calendar features most of our ladies players in uniquely posed shots taken by the very talented local photographer, Suzy McCanny whose studio is based in Wine St Sligo.

Their cause, the North West Hospice is dedicated to helping people with life limiting illness improve their quality of life and find relief from Cosgrove’s Centra Maugheraboy symptoms, pain and stress. It has been helping the community for 25 years and is continuously in need of support and funds as it is a part of the community that reaches out to many families around the Sligo, Leitrim and South Donegal.

Calendars can be purchased for €10 each in stores around Sligo making them an excellent Christmas present so make sure you get yours early!

The Ladies calendar will also be available to purchase from the Sligo Rugby Club website www.sligorfc.ie and the Northwest Hospice website and www.northwesthospice.ie just log on to buy yours! SLIGO RFC TEAM SHEET NAAS RFC TEAM SHEET

1. Ross Mannion 1. Andrew Shirley 2. Tadhg Power (Capt) 2. Jock Toland 3. Conor Mitchell 3. Jason Harney 4. James Wilson 4. Steve Kinneavy 5. Jamie Bowes 5. David Benn 6. David Heath 6. Paul Monahan 7. Rory Kerins 7. Andy Kearney 8. Aidan McNulty 8. Miseoka Timeoto 9. Mickey Murphy 9. Sam Sutton 10. Paddy Pearson 10. Peter Osbourne 11. Colin Kane 11. Rob Campbell 12. Aaron Spring 12. Henry Bryce 13. Jerome Harimate 13. Darragh O’Shea 14. Sean Donnelly 14. John Delaney 15. Mark Butler 15. David Ahern 16. Adrian McHale 16. Niall Carson 17 Wesley Maxwell 17. Gary Rowan 18. Gary Conneely 18. John O’Brien 19. Peter Mullan 19. Brian Fitzgerald 20. Rodger Burrows 20. Rob O’Connor SLIGO RFC TEAM SHEET NAAS RFC TEAM SHEET

1. Ross Mannion 1. Andrew Shirley 2. Tadhg Power (Capt) 2. Jock Toland 3. Conor Mitchell 3. Jason Harney 4. James Wilson 4. Steve Kinneavy 5. Jamie Bowes 5. David Benn 6. David Heath 6. Paul Monahan 7. Rory Kerins 7. Andy Kearney 8. Aidan McNulty 8. Miseoka Timeoto 9. Mickey Murphy 9. Sam Sutton 10. Paddy Pearson 10. Peter Osbourne 11. Colin Kane 11. Rob Campbell 12. Aaron Spring 12. Henry Bryce 13. Jerome Harimate 13. Darragh O’Shea 14. Sean Donnelly 14. John Delaney 15. Mark Butler 15. David Ahern 16. Adrian McHale 16. Niall Carson 17 Wesley Maxwell 17. Gary Rowan 18. Gary Conneely 18. John O’Brien 19. Peter Mullan 19. Brian Fitzgerald 20. Rodger Burrows 20. Rob O’Connor With the 2011/2012 Ulster Bank League providing nail-biting entertainment, Message to Sligo RFC from Billy Glynn, President, IRFU. displays from potential future internationals and a climax no one predicted, that time of year for new beginnings is here once again. Welcoming new members, I am delighted to extend my best wishes to Sligo RFC in my capacity as plotting new tactics and renewing hopes and dreams – this is an exciting time for President of the Irish Rugby Football Union. clubs across the country.

It gives me added pleasure to congratulate Clare Storey on creating a notable Rugby is enjoying increasing popularity with the recent success of our national piece of club history by being elected the first female President. I wish Clare and provincial sides. However, where would Irish rugby be without the dedication and all members of the progressive Sligo rugby club every enjoyment and shown in rugby clubs the length and breadth of the country? Irish rugby clubs are success from the 2012-’13 season and well beyond. the backbone of Irish rugby. From underage to first-team players, hundreds of coaches pledge years to the development of players – players that will bring pride Congratulations on your promotion last season to senior status, representing and togetherness to their community and clubs. another notable landmark for Sligo and rugby in the West of .

th This is Ulster Bank’s third season as the Official Community Rugby Partner to To finish in 11 place from the new styled 16-team Division 2B was a most the IRFU, a partnership which includes title sponsorship of the League and of the satisfactory debut in a season further highlighted by reaching the final of the Irish Club International team. Connacht Senior Cup only to be deprived of a first victory since 1914, co-incidentally by my own club. As part of our ongoing commitment to communities across Ireland and our under- standing that rugby clubs are the foundations of Irish rugby, we created a club Rugby in Connacht is in a good place right now, boosted by the successful volunteer initiative called ‘Ulster Bank RugbyForce’. The programme, which launch by the Branch in conjunction with the IRFU of the new structure for the coincides with our overall sponsorship, is designed to provide rugby clubs with professional game in the province. support to renovate and upgrade their facilities as well as unite club members and local volunteers. Initial success by the Connacht team has resulted in a huge lift in profile and popularity for the game and I believe that the game in Sligo and in clubs 105 clubs from all over the country entered the 2011 / 2012 initiative. Four lucky throughout the province will benefit as a consequence in terms of recruitment clubs were awarded €5,000 worth of goods and resources. The four winning clubs and support. (Newbridge RFC, Killarney RFC, Ballyhaunis RFC and Donaghdee RFC) took part in the recent Ulster Bank RugbyForce Winning Weekends, which brought This is a most welcome bonus at a time when the entire communities together to spend the day effects of the economic downturn are impacting on renovating their club’s facilities. See ulster- Irish rugby and posing significant challenges for our bank.com/rugby for more details and look out for clubs. your chance to enter your club in this season’s Ulster Bank RugbyForce programme. I thank Ulster Bank, the official Community Partner to the IRFU, for their sponsorship of the Ulster Bank I speak for everyone at Ulster Bank when I say, League, the Irish Club international team, the all we are all excited about the 2012 / 2013 season Ireland Bateman Cup and the Ulster Bank Rugby and I’d like to wish all teams the very best of Force initiative. luck.

Billy Glynn Ellvena Graham President – IRFU Chief Operating Officer - Ulster Bank With the 2011/2012 Ulster Bank League providing nail-biting entertainment, Message to Sligo RFC from Billy Glynn, President, IRFU. displays from potential future internationals and a climax no one predicted, that time of year for new beginnings is here once again. Welcoming new members, I am delighted to extend my best wishes to Sligo RFC in my capacity as plotting new tactics and renewing hopes and dreams – this is an exciting time for President of the Irish Rugby Football Union. clubs across the country.

It gives me added pleasure to congratulate Clare Storey on creating a notable Rugby is enjoying increasing popularity with the recent success of our national piece of club history by being elected the first female President. I wish Clare and provincial sides. However, where would Irish rugby be without the dedication and all members of the progressive Sligo rugby club every enjoyment and shown in rugby clubs the length and breadth of the country? Irish rugby clubs are success from the 2012-’13 season and well beyond. the backbone of Irish rugby. From underage to first-team players, hundreds of coaches pledge years to the development of players – players that will bring pride Congratulations on your promotion last season to senior status, representing and togetherness to their community and clubs. another notable landmark for Sligo and rugby in the West of Ireland. th This is Ulster Bank’s third season as the Official Community Rugby Partner to To finish in 11 place from the new styled 16-team Division 2B was a most the IRFU, a partnership which includes title sponsorship of the League and of the satisfactory debut in a season further highlighted by reaching the final of the Irish Club International team. Connacht Senior Cup only to be deprived of a first victory since 1914, co-incidentally by my own club. As part of our ongoing commitment to communities across Ireland and our under- standing that rugby clubs are the foundations of Irish rugby, we created a club Rugby in Connacht is in a good place right now, boosted by the successful volunteer initiative called ‘Ulster Bank RugbyForce’. The programme, which launch by the Branch in conjunction with the IRFU of the new structure for the coincides with our overall sponsorship, is designed to provide rugby clubs with professional game in the province. support to renovate and upgrade their facilities as well as unite club members and local volunteers. Initial success by the Connacht team has resulted in a huge lift in profile and popularity for the game and I believe that the game in Sligo and in clubs 105 clubs from all over the country entered the 2011 / 2012 initiative. Four lucky throughout the province will benefit as a consequence in terms of recruitment clubs were awarded €5,000 worth of goods and resources. The four winning clubs and support. (Newbridge RFC, Killarney RFC, Ballyhaunis RFC and Donaghdee RFC) took part in the recent Ulster Bank RugbyForce Winning Weekends, which brought This is a most welcome bonus at a time when the entire communities together to spend the day effects of the economic downturn are impacting on renovating their club’s facilities. See ulster- Irish rugby and posing significant challenges for our bank.com/rugby for more details and look out for clubs. your chance to enter your club in this season’s Ulster Bank RugbyForce programme. I thank Ulster Bank, the official Community Partner to the IRFU, for their sponsorship of the Ulster Bank I speak for everyone at Ulster Bank when I say, League, the Irish Club international team, the all we are all excited about the 2012 / 2013 season Ireland Bateman Cup and the Ulster Bank Rugby and I’d like to wish all teams the very best of Force initiative. luck.

Billy Glynn Ellvena Graham President – IRFU Chief Operating Officer - Ulster Bank

TODAY’S MATCH PARTNER

Sligo RFC have teamed up with The Childrens Medical and Research Foundation at Crumlin Childrens Hospital in order to raise awareness of their FIX CRUMLIN (www.fixcrumlin.ie) fundraising campaign, details of which can be found here - http://www.cmrf.org/site/why_give?path=why_give. They are currently trying to raise €4m in order to complete the construction of a vital new Cardiac Unit and to improve their Cancer Ward. www.fixcrumlin.ie