Old Wesley Rugby Football Club

Honorary Secretary’s Report – 21st May 2009

During the year we lost three distinguished members – a past president and lifetime member Les Bredin and a past captain, past president and Irish international Rev. Cannon Austen Carry. We also lost Albert Adams who for many years worked tirelessly at our disco events. As a mark of respect I ask you to stand for a minutes silence to their memory.

Thank you.

The 2008-09 season started with a new coaching staff led by our first Springbok coach Dan Van Zyl who took over from Ray Walker who had given many years of excellent coaching to Old Wesley.

Our season started with 3 losses in the League and at 4pm in a wind and rain swept Portadown on 4th October 08, those present, could be forgiven for thinking that we were in for another year of survival in the 3rd division. There were signs of the open rugby style that was to follow throughout the season but it was a bad start only compensated by a losing bonus point. We then went on a three match winning run with a bonus point win over Banbridge and narrow victories over Middleton and the eventual league winners Corinthians. At this stage we were starting to believe that promotion was a possibility only to come back down to earth in Carlow where we met a very well organised defence. A good victory over Naas was followed by defeat to a very good team from Queens University (our only match without any points during the campaign). At Christmas we were lying in 6th place in the table.

In January we beat Ards on a freezing wet day, Rainey old boys with a bonus point win and Waterpark by a record margin to put us third in the league and with only teams below us left to play it looked like promotion could be considered. Nenagh narrowly beat us with possibly our worst display of the league.

In March 09 with improved weather and firmer pitches we played two crunch matches where we showed how much the team has developed a confidence to move the ball quickly to our wingers. These wins over Suttonians and Connemara meant that promotion was now in our own hands if we beat Barnhall and Sundays Well in our last two matches. I suspect we got a bit of white line fever but managed to win our last two games narrowly against two good teams fighting for survival at the bottom of the league.

On Saturday April 18th, 2009 following our victory over the Well we were confirmed in second place (Behind Corinthians) and after eight years in Division 3 we gained promotion to AIL Division 2. Our promotion was gained with 11 wins,

1 4 losses, and crucially, 9 bonus points. We were top scorers in Div 3 and had the best points difference. Our ability to gain the winning 4 try bonus points and fight for the losing bonus point was something that had let us down in previous years.

In the league play offs we again met Queens University. On a firm pitch, with the pressure off both team, Wesley triumphed in a very open game by 38 -25 to meet Corinthians in the Division 3 final at Dooradoyle on May 9th.

In the final we produced some great running from our backline along with great defence and time and time again our pack turned over ball at vital times. With tries from Paul Campbell, Alan Thompson and two magnificent individual tries from Barry McLoughlin we ran out convincing winners 30-12. Old Wesley winners of Division 3 playoffs had won their first senior trophy in many years.

This major achievement for the club has mainly come about through the development of the team from our underage and Under 20’s squad. Two players in their first senior year were Barry McLoughlin and Ross Johnson. Ross ended top try scorer in the division with 10 tries and Barry contributed significantly in the later stages of the league. Alan Thompson with 9 tries and Alan Large with 8 provided more flair and pace and the Brian’s Hastings and Doherty provided the distribution skills and direct approach when needed. At scrum half we had abundance in talent with head coach Dan Van Zyl, and Paul Campbell well supported by newcomer Dave O’Leary and Graham McCoy. David Smith had his best season in the number 10 jersey. His defence and passing were only surpassed by his magnificent place kicking which proved vital in many of our matches. His league point tally came to 137 points with 36 conversions, 20 penalties and 1 try and he is now less that 50 points away from joining a small band of players on 1000 points in the AIL.

In the pack Iain Wallace gave another 100% season and was ably supported by Jonny Kerins and Dion Viljoen. Robert Dempsey and Eduard Kelder supplied excellent support in every game and special thanks to Robert and Roscrea RFC for his dual status participation. The Second row greatly benefited by the arrival of Mark Warburthon, whom we congratulate on his caps for the Irish AIB Club International side.

Our back row of John Carroll, Chris McLean, Rory Gleeson, Colin Wallace, and Ian Slattery excelled at the breakdown and contributed a number of important tries between them.

Other players to represent us during the season were Derek Wallace, Stephen Walsh, Richie Thompson, Simon Goldsmith, Paul McClatchie, Maurice Logue and David Bursey who played his 19th AIL season for the club and was deservedly awarded the club volunteer for Leinster rugby for April 09.

2 Last but not least the captain Phil Hosey who supplied the inspiration and example on and off the field. Phil played in every minute of every match apart from a 10 minute rest following a yellow card in the Rainey game. Well done Phil and congratulations from everyone on a marvellous season.

Of coarse none of this would have been possible without the coaching and management team led by Dan Van Zyl and Jimmy Bryden. To Dan and assistants Mark Kinlan and Eric Miller and Jimmy and assistants Pat Mac Donald and Robert Deacon we thank you all for your commitment and considerable time given during the year. Director of rugby Niall Dineen and fixtures secretary Mark Younge should also be joined in this success.

Our Senior squad embark on a tour to in August – the first since our 1992 tour to Canada. If any one is interested in joining the party please contact Dave Priestman.

The J1, having been relegated last year, bounced straight back up to Division 1. The season started with an away victory to Naas where a four try bonus win was achieved and bonus point victories quickly followed against UCD, Bective, Carlow and DLSP. Our strongest rivals in the division were University who beat us in both home and away matches. Our second place finish in the division was achieved with 3 matches left to play and we then won our playoff game against to secure promotion.

In the metro cup we had an outstanding victory over St. Mary’s (the winners of the Division 1 title). An excellent encounter saw us progress 10 – 7 and this could rank as the victory of the season against a highly fancied St. Mary’s side who had already won the first division of the league. Unfortunately we were disappointing in the next round against Blackrock where we were well beaten.

The 1st and 2nd fifteen operated on a squad basis during the year – in the majority of instances there were no problems with players being dropped and a genuine squad atmosphere was maintained. The coaching and management team of Robbie Love and Dave Bursey gave a huge commitment during the season both on and off the pitch. The success of the J1 team to rise to a competitive status against all Leinster clubs is a massive achievement following some barren years at this level. Players at J1 and below should have ambitions to play at the highest level of their capabilities and Old Wesley will assist in any way that is required.

The J2’s had an up and down season and despite some big performances failed to fulfil their potential over the course of the league. Starting well, wins against Monkstown 2nd’s, eventual winners Belvedere, and UCD were followed by defeats in 7 of the next 9 games and a disappointing 4th in the league. A cup loss to Wanderers rounded off a lacklustre campaign. Congratulations to Karl Cabena

3 who captained the team and went on to represent South Dublin in winning the J2 Counties competition

With the success of the 1st and 2nd teams and the squad system in operation the J2 suffered with the lack of experienced players who would normally drop from 2nd’s to 3rd’s. We must address this in the coming season to ensure that players not selected for the first two teams are available to play on the thirds and expand our senior squad strength to the Junior teams.

J4. - Dave Swaine (Captain), and as ever Andrew Leeson and Stuart Kinlan, ably assisted by Turlough O’Riordan were instrumental in assembling a squad this year that numbered 30 or so. They came together for an away friendly against Gorey in September, staying overnight to engender morale, and plan for the long season.

In the League the J4’s won 10 games (the highlight beating Barnhall at home), and lost two (both to St Marys), subsequently losing to Coalmine away in the knock-out stages when quite a few key players were in Cardiff for the Grand Slam International weekend. In the cup they beat Parkmore and then Bective (in a notably composed and controlled performance), only to lose narrowly to the eventual winners St Mary's.

The season finished last weekend with a rugby and cultural weekend to Barcelona where the Bs played Quimic RFC in a closely fought encounter (winning 40 – 29) in the 23 degree heat. Excellent hospitality was shown by our hosts after the game where we were wined and dined in a local tapastry and the squad stayed together for a most enjoyable sing song long into the Catalan evening. The J4 raised most of the funds themselves for this tour with a small contribution from the club for which they would like me to express their thanks.

Two players stand out for mention- Eric Brown was sterling in the second row and Rob Macnaughton really worked hard all season, settling comfortably into the number 10 spot.

J5. - For the second year we fielded a J5 team that played in the O’Connor Cup. We were narrowly beaten by Clontarf in the first round. Special thanks to Des Johnson and Mel Smyth for organizing this team.

The 08/09 Season for the Under 20s saw the introduction of a new head coach, Morgan Lennon, who was supported by Andy Adams. This team showed an immense improvement as the season progressed and were playing fantastic rugby after Christmas - great credit is due to coaches and players and management and there are certainly some players for the future at 20s level.

4

The 20s finished the League in fifth place being denied a placed in the quarter finals as a result of loosing their points against Guinness who pulled out of the League at a very late stage after losing to Wesley by over 60 points. They played 12 games in the League winning 8 and scoring a very respectable 236 points. Between the League and the Cup as has now become tradition the 20s went on tour, this year to Rome, winning their game and soaking up the cultural delights the City has to offer.

Weights training 3 nights a week on top of the normal training stood the team in good stead and saw them reach the final of the cup and a narrow defeat to our neighbours Bective in a match that Wesley might have won.

Two of our 20s received Irish Under 18 caps during the year – and Andrew Boyle. We congratulate Paul and Andy on this marvelous achievement and look forward to their continued success at Old Wesley. The change in the cut off date next Season will see the Team retain a large percentage of it's players and when coupled with the large volume of expected players two Teams could well be on the cards. Angus Campion and Mark Duffy are set to continue their involvement at Under 20s supported by the existing Coaching staff and have commitments from others to assist. Weights training will restart after a short break for College exams at the end of June under supervision and will continue over the Summer months.

Our vibrant mini rugby section continued to expand under the guidance of Louise Whelan, Patricia Parfrey and their hard working committee who organize their own fundraising, fixtures and tours. From under 6 – under 14 there were 203 registered players and 30 qualified coaches.

The under 6 – 9 participate in non competitive rugby blitzes throughout the year. The U10s fielded two teams in the Metro schedule, brought home silverware, and had a tour to North Wales. The U11s competed well in Metro and visited Limerick for end of season tour. The U12s fielded 3 teams in Metro and participated in the half time exhibition match at the RDS when Leinster played the . Their end of season tour was to Paris. The U14s competed in Leinster Schools / Youth League and cup and had an end of season tour to Barcelona.

Louise steps down as Chairman this year and thank you Louise on behalf of the club.

5 Of coarse we cannot forget the memorable season for in winning the Grand Slam for the first time in 60 years and congratulate Leinster on reaching the final of the Heineken European Cup to be played on Saturday in Edinborough.

I have to single out some members we rarely saw down in the club on a Saturday of Sunday during the season – our Branch referees. A big thanks to Andy Baird, Nigel Correll, Mark Gargan, Simon Owens and Wayne and Glenn Sheridan and also to Alan Lewis in the professional game. During the season the Leinster Branch and the IRFU wrote to us to encourage our players and supporters to eliminate the instances of referee abuse (and player abuse) which is coming more and more into our game. We support this stance wholeheartedly and we will continue to encourage our members and players to welcome referees and players to Donnybrook and keep the comradary and respect in our game of Amateur rugby.

Also we extend our congratulations to on his nomination as a Leinster Branch representative on the IRFU Committee.

FUNDRAISING At the start of the season it was apparent that fundraising was going to be difficult in the rapidly deteriorating economy. Alan Chapman and his committee have done an excellent job during the year in raising over €170,000 from sponsorship, the match program, and corporate golf event. The very successful European Champions Draw falls into next season’s results. A considerable effort has been put into the monthly club members draw and I would urge all members to be involved - €27,500 was raised for the year which we feel is considerably short of our potential.

Pre match lunches were again organised by Stephanie Chapman and these became bigger and bigger as we moved into contention in the league. Thanks again Stephanie and to Declan Howard and crew for excellent catering during the year.

Peter Squire and Robert Deacon successfully negotiated the renewal of our Elvery’s agreement for 3 years to 2010-11 season. Peter, Michael Cornick, Philip McGovern, Henry Anderson and Colin McCullagh also assisted Alan Chapman on the fundraising Committee.

The next few years will be difficult on the fundraising side and I hope Alan and his team will get the full support of members.

Our vibrant club is the envy of many others thanks in no small part to the work of our Bar steward / facilities manager Michael Weafer in attracting functions and

6 providing a high standard of service during the year and to Tracy, Martin and the rest of the staff. Hazel Evans provided excellent assistance to everyone involved in running the club. Thanks to Peter Acton (Bar chairman) and Alan Lowther who has completed 20 years as Bar Treasurer.

Donnie Bolger and his staff continue to run our discos and provide an excellent product for the younger age groups and much needed revenue for the club.

The Annual Dinner was held 21st November 08 and once again expertly organized by Dave Turner. Speakers were Gordon McCoy, Finbar Crowley (representing the Branch), Paul Short and John O’Leary. Once again, I’m told, the annual Over 60s dinner attracted a large gathering and was a super night.

A special mention should be made for the much maligned treasurer of the Club, David Copeland who spends a lot of time keeping our finances in order.

DONNYBROOK

The Leinster Branch, having spent a considerable amount of time in developing a plan for Donnybrook, have now decided not to proceed with the major part of the development. David Holmes, John Fish, Dave Turner and Peter Polden have been very involved with this issue over the seasons. Draft alternative plans for “a go it alone” development of our facilities are being drawn up. These will then be considered for planning application and any final decision will come before the members for consideration and approval.

Consideration is being given to the development of an all weather back pitch. Discussions are in progress with Bective and the Branch on a usage protocol and financial arrangements.

BALLYCORUS Our joint development of Ballycorus with Lansdowne FC has proven a most successful one. The location and facilities are admired by everyone visiting the grounds. Our three pitches have survived a full season of training, matches, mini rugby from both clubs and are in remarkable shape at the end of season. Your executive have considered the high cost of maintaining the grounds compared to the previous location at Kilgobbin and will proceed with their examination with the overall objective of maintaining the high standards that have been set for the grounds. Our floodlights on Pitch 3 need to be improved to bring them up to a new level laid down by the IRFU for match conditions. This will require planning permission but we would hope to have them installed in time for next season.

7 We thank our LOW committee of Dave Turner, Ralph Meredith, Andrew Leeson and Fred Yoakley for looking after Ballycorus in conjunction with Landsdowne members over the past year and the Trustees of LOW for their guidance and commitment. Special thanks to John Fish for his professional work on legal issues involved with Kilgobbin, Ballycorus and Donnybrook.

I have tried to summarise all the activities in the club and would urge anyone with a little time on their hands to get involved in some way. There is something for everyone, team coaching, management, selection, fundraising, mini rugby, building and grounds, and all help is welcome. A little time given by more members, particularly on team management, would spread the load in these difficult economic times.

Our Chairman Peter Polden continues to guide the club in a most professional manner and thanks also to the Assistant honorary secretary John Kilcullen and to Ken Richardson and everyone involved in the web and newsletter.

Finally congratulations to Eddie Fogarty on his year in office. Eddie never had any doubts that we would do well this season although even he succumbed to nerves during the last few matches when I saw him hiding behind the Bective pavilion during those heart stopping last minutes against the Well. He worked tirelessly during the year and was a great ambassador for the club. I know, like the majority of past presidents, he will continue to work for the club in the coming seasons.

THANK YOU

IVAN WHITE 21ST MAY 2009

8