Clondalkin Rugby OFFICIAL MATCHDAY PROGRAMME SUNDAY 20TH JANUARY 2019

FIRST XV PROVINCIAL TOWNS CUP – ROUND 1

CLONDALKIN RFC VS BALBRIGGAN RFC

SUNDAY · JANUARY 20 · 2019 KICK-OFF 2:30PM

CLONDALKIN UNDER 12s WOMEN’S FRIENDLY DIVISION 2

CLONDALKIN RFC VS SEAPOINT RFC CLONDALKIN RFC VS EDENDERRY RFC KICK-OFF 10:00AM KICK-OFF 12:30PM

PROUD SPONSORS CLONDALKIN RUGBY

BUILDING SUPPLIES TODAY’S MATCH DAY OFFICIALS

LEINSTER TOWNS CUP Referee: Jason Le Lievre

WOMEN’S LEINSTER LEAGUE – DIVISION 2A Referee: Audrey Fulham

All ARLB

Acknowledgements Editors: Gareth Steed, Gary Branigan & Vincent Quinn Photographs: Sharon Flanagan Photography Facilities: Kevin Laide Printed by: Tico Mail Works

Clondalkin RFC thank all those who contributed articles to this programme and all sponsors and advertisers for their very generous support. For up-to-date details of all fixtures, results and events, visit our website and various social media platforms.

1 20th JANUARY 2019 PROVINCIAL TOWNS CUP

Good Afternoon all and Clubs who were located at in the Quarters last year welcome to the Provincial least 18 miles from the to the ultimate Champions Towns Cup match between General Post Office in Enniscorthy. Clondalkin and Balbriggan. O’Connell Street eligible to Today’s Visitors Balbriggan Today the teams are compete. have a much longer history competing in the 1st round of That would have ruled and proud tradition in this cup one of the oldest Cups in Irish Clondalkin out by the then rule and were beaten finalists in Rugby. If you Google PTC the in operation! We in fact are the second year of this current first thing you will discover is relatively new to this format back in 1927 against that the competition was first competition and are only Enniscorthy. They managed established in 1888 and the competing a little over a the following season 1928 to cup itself has been knocking decade in this event and are make the final again and this around since 1892 having been still one of the newest clubs to time out were victorious in a bought for the princely sum of this competition. replay beating Athy 8:0. £25 from Wests in . While it could be argued we There are 29 teams competing The cup itself is actually may not have fully absorbed in the cup this year and three named the Leinster Junior all that is Towns Cup Rugby clubs Ashbourne , Wicklow Challenge cup and the compared to other clubs we and Enniscorthy will go into competition we are competing actually have done quite well the open draw this evening at for today changed format for in this completion and have 5 pm in Carlow RFC along with the 1926 running of the been beaten Semi-finalists in 13 results of today and will competition with only Junior the past and only went out compete in the round 2 of 16.

PROVINCIAL TOWNS CUP ROUND ONE Wexford Wanderers RFC v Roscrea RFC Gorey RFC v Portlaoise RFC Tullow RFC v Mullingar RFC Tullamore 2nd XV v Navan 2nd XV Co Carlow FC v Kilkenny RFC Longford RFC v Cill Dara RFC Arklow RFC v Midlands Warriors RFC Clondalkin RFC v Balbriggan RFC Naas RFC v North Kildare RFC New Ross RFC v Boyne RFC Skerries 2nd XV v Newbridge RFC Athy RFC v Dundalk RFC Edenderry RFC v Portarlington RFC Byes: Ashbourne RFC, Wicklow RFC, Enniscorthy RFC

2 20th JANUARY 2019 HEAD COACH C.R.F.C. PHILLY BYRNE

Today’s game has come at the competition is a real honour game off the back of an right time for us. A different for us and despite what some excellent win last week against competition and a new focus may think this competition is Edenderry. away from the league. extremely important to us. We welcome back our captain We come off the back of 3 We are relative newcomers to Mikey Russell today, his first league wins in a row which the Town’s Cup having first start since November, having included an excellent team entered it in 2007, our first been away for a few weeks. performance full off desire, game was a home tie to Also today Eoin Maher and hunger and determination last Roscrea, a game in which I had Gareth Black return to the week away to Portlaoise. the honour to play in. squad for the first time this These wins have seen us Unfortunately we lost that day season following lengthy return to the top of the league but we have since gone on to layoffs and James Murphy with 3 games remaining. reach the semi-finals twice makes his first team debut Our seconds, another fantastic and hopefully we can transfer having impressed with a win in Portlaoise improving our recent good league form number of excellent the perfect record to 10 wins to this competition and go one performances for our seconds from 10 and now only require stage further this year. this season. 1 more point to win their We welcome today’s league. opponents, Balbriggan to Philly Byrne Today’s Town’s Cup is another Gordon Park and we are very Head Coach C.R.F.C. huge game for the club, aware of the threat they pose. participating in this old They a currently top of League 2B and also come into today’s

3 20th JANUARY 2019 MATCHDAY PROTOCOLS

Fáilte romhaibh go léir go Cumann Rugbaí Chluain Dolcáin agus tá súil againn go mbainfidh sibh sult as na cluichí inniu.

We welcome everybody to Clondalkin Rugby Club and hope everyone enjoys today’s matches.

It is important that we all respect the players and officials. They are amateurs and are here to enjoy themselves as well.

Therefore, we expect that everybody behaves appropriately.

PITCH SIDE MANNERS

Do support your team positively

Don’t abuse opposition players

Do remain silent when kicks are taken

Don’t use foul language

Do welcome opposition support

Don’t abuse referees or touch judges

Do restrict alcohol to patio area

Let’s hope for a good game and may the best team win

Clondalkin RFC

4 20th JANUARY 2019 HOW I FELL IN LOVE WITH RUGBY

Hi my name is Tyler, and this story is about how I fell in love with rugby. One day my dad asked me if I would like to play rugby for the local club, Clondalkin. I said, “Yes I’ll try.” So I went down to try. I was shy at the start but when I got to know everybody that’s when I fell in love with rugby. My dad, who grew up in America where rugby isn’t that popular, started to help coach my team with the other coaches, Nicky and Stephen.

A few months after joining, I learnt how to play. I learnt the rules and most importantly made good friends with my teammates. I got so good at tackling that my coaches called me “The I always ask all my friends if they want to try Tackling Machine.” Rugby made braver so I also rugby, and I’ve got two friends from school to joined a local football club. I train on join my team. Another boy from my football Wednesdays at 6:30 till 7:30 and on Sundays at team asked me “where do you play rugby” I 10:30 till 12:00. My favorite bit of rugby is answered, “Clondalkin!’’ The next day, he was playing with my teammates and having fun! at rugby training too.

I’ve been going to the summer camp for the last three years. It is a great camp and we learn how to play the Leinster way. We play lots of fun games like dodge ball, rounders and no mans land. Leinster players come in to take pictures with the kids and sign stuff. Last summer the players brought their trophies with them.

Top Reasons more people should play rugby:

1. Makes you stronger 2. Keeps you fit 3. Make friends 4. Makes you brave 5. Everybody should play a sport

Tyler “T-Dog” Branning CRFC U11s

5 20th JANUARY 2019

NAOMI FYNES CLONETTES CAPTAIN

I have played with Clondalkin Rugby Women’s ladies and it is part of the reason I play rugby, team since 2010. In my years at the club I have we all played with heart and pride in the jersey. developed amazing relationships with the We spent most of our time camped in Clonettes and coaching teams. I view the club Wicklow’s 22 and relentlessly battered away at as a second family and a home away from their defence. It wrapped up as a tie at 5-5 but I home. Therefore I was so proud to be believe Wicklow walked away shocked at what appointed captain for the 2018/2019 season, it the Clonettes were capable of achieving and is such a huge honour. I especially enjoy the potential we had going forward. working alongside Vice-Captain Sara Phelan one of the best and most hard working players The next match, an away fixture against Garda on the team. was a disappointing day for the team. What started out a promising lead and a hard fought The girls started out the 2018/2019 pre-season match lead to a loss with a final score of 15-10. developing some new moves incorporating We managed to take away the losing bonus both forwards and backs. Once this started to point but there was overall frustration. gel with all team members you could really see However in true Clonette style we picked the team starting to work together as a unit. In ourselves up, dusted ourselves off and began our first game of the season against Balbriggan working towards our final fixture of 2018 away we tried to implement these moves in play. We against Balbriggan. We also took away some were unfortunate to come away with a 10-17 positives from the day as it marked the result at home but with our first game under beginning of Shona Byrne’s career as a flanker. our belt and a losing bonus point we were In Balbriggan again we were unfortunate to confident in building towards the next match come away with a loss. We had a tough game away against Gorey. and put up a great defence for the most part. The game finished 15-7 but again a lesson was In Gorey we felt like the team was finally learned, we needed to work on our attack… clicking and there was an air of calmness and decisiveness around the plays. Everybody worked together and brought home a massive team win with a final result of 37-12. In our next fixture against our old rivals Edenderry we did not fare as well, in a tough match we suffered a loss at 14-0. The match was close and the score did not reflect the effort and heart the Clonettes put in but we had learned lessons to bring with us the next time we face Edenderry.

We then worked towards our fixture at home against table toppers Wicklow. As a team we were aware that if ever, this was the time to make our mark. The performance that Sunday made me so proud to be Captain of Clondalkin

7 20th JANUARY 2019 Unfortunately this season we have had a These loses impacted mainly on the forwards number of setbacks through loss of players by who were thin on the ground in the earlier part injury and retirement. One of our main impact of the season. The forwards were fortunate players Fiona Tighe is not able to play this enough to recruit two of our ex-backs Shona season due to injury and she was a huge loss to Byrne and Gael Stowe to strengthen the pack the pack. Kerryn Buck one of our hard hitting this season. Already they have made an locks was away for most of first half of the amazing impact in the back row, I almost pity season we missed her in attack and defence. their opposition. Also there was a changeover We lost a promising young player Shauna Heely in Coaches at the end of the 2018 season with due to a broken leg in our fixture against Ray Kelly stepping up as new forwards coach Wicklow but hopefully she will have the go replacing Ailbhe O’Nolan. ahead to re-join us in the coming weeks. Sarah Jane Masterson another seasoned lock Despite some of the upsets of the first half of suffered a hand injury in the Garda match the season the New Year has brought new leaving her unable to finish out the 2018 promise to the team. From our first session season thankfully we have her back for 2019. back which was a bit rusty, the girls have picked Anne Marie Whelan who started out the up the pace and improved exponentially over season with us was a huge loss to the back row, the course of a few nights. The attendance at her level of experience is missed. Louise Madge training has skyrocketed, these numbers have our hooker is also out this season through allowed us to train against a realistic opposition injury and we look forward to her return. and execute our moves effectively. With this Michael Kavanagh another fantastic lock is has come a level of understanding amongst the missed in the game too but he still helps us out players on the reasoning behind the different when he can in training and for that we are plays. Hopefully these levels of attendance will grateful. continue. We have recently welcomed new recruits Jo-Anne Kelly, Jess Tyrell and Laura Madden. We are always looking for new players to strengthen our growing ladies team so no matter what your age or skill set, give Clondalkin ladies a try.

8 20th JANUARY 2019

The enthusiasm of the new coaching team working relationship. He has great insights into combination of Al Hickey and Ray Kelly is technical areas of scrummaging and lineouts palpable. Al Hickey’s dedication to the team as and the girls and I have learned so much from a whole has helped mould us into a formidable him already. Ray has also recruited Kev Dunphy, force on the pitch. Al and Ray have devised fast Conor Mc Crea and James Kenny from the lad’s paced and structured sessions by focusing on team. The lads have stepped in to impart some areas that need work from our matches. They of their knowledge and experience around are readily available to offer advice and often scrums and lineouts and have tested us by arrive up early to work in individual skills with opposing us in the scrum. Already it is apparent team members. Al’s impact on the backs was that these sessions have paid off with a evident with the moves that were carried out decisive win against Mullingar in an away with ease at last Sunday’s away fixture against victory (15-26) where we dominated the Mullingar. It is a joy to watch the backs as they scrums and lineouts. We are very grateful to carry out their moves in a slick and clinical the lads for their help and hope that they will fashion both in training and matches. That is work with us more often going forward. testament to Al’s coaching abilities I would like to take this opportunity to thank our excellent manager Sandie Healy for all of her hard work so far this season. I would like to thank our wonderful coaches Al and Ray for all of your input. Finally I would like to thank my wife Nicola Smyth for all of her support over the season.

Moving forward our plan is to finish out the league with a winning streak and build towards the Cup. As always everything we do is part of a learning curve, I have seen improvements in many of our players since the beginning of the season. This is due to a willingness to learn, enthusiasm and heart. Week after week I have seen amazing sacrifice and effort from the girls literally putting their bodies on the line for their team mates. This is what I love most about the Clonettes and the Club, my second family.

Hon the Clon!

Your Ladies Captain, Ray has come to the team and fit in with the Naomi Fynes ladies very quickly building an excellent

10 20th JANUARY 2019 THE PRIVILEGE OF RUGBY

I had the privilege and honour of playing with very high spirits. They were playing exciting Clondalkin from 1992 until 2017. I have also rugby and all of the hard work in training was had the pleasure of coaching and assisting the starting to show in phases of games. club Head Coach Phil Byrne for many years. We identified areas of our game that needed more work and focus. With this in mind, the end of 2018 saw the introduction of former Clondalkin 1st team back rower and new Clonettes Forward coach Ray Kelly. The team and coaches regrouped and set out our targets for the second half of the season and the rest of the 2018/19 campaign.

When the opportunity to help out with the Clonettes came about, it presented a new and exciting opportunity.

The girls welcomed the idea of trying new styles of rugby. New approaches to training and matches. Their willingness and attitude to training was so refreshing, the potential to try new things was huge thanks to their dedication and commitment.

The 2018/19 session began with seasoned flanker Naomi Fynes being appointed Captain With the excitement of the new year and Ray and Sara Phelan Vice Captain. Both girls are coming on board there was a buzz within the outstanding players and hugely respected team. Training was pushed up a notch with 20 throughout the club. plus girls consistently training. Creating real competition for positions. With a focus on We had a up and down start to the session. By scrummaging, lineouts, attack play, game the end of 2018 we have 3 losses, 1 draw and structure and over all game management, 1 win. However, the team ended 2018 in 2019 promised to have an explosive start.

11 20th JANUARY 2019 We were not let down. We travelled to Although, we are focused on our rugby the Mullingar and the Clonettes set the bar high. camaraderie, love and respect is very evident Aggression, physicality, discipline, heart, within the team. The girls themselves are determination and outstanding rugby saw the always prepared to have a cup of tea and a chat girls out muscle an excellent Mullingar side after training, all close friends off the pitch and with a bonus point win 26-15. well able to party when the opportunity arises. The search for new players is never ending. Our With 1 away and 4 home games remaining in gates are always open for anybody looking to the league we are building momentum one have the craic, challenge themselves, make game at a time. Each game presents a new new friends and become part of this growing challenge and a new opportunity to learn. club that has been built, and continues to Today our focus is solely on Edenderry who are thrive, on members, family, friends, currently 3rd in the league. We will have to be commitment and community. But most of all at our very best to get the win we want. the love for rugby.

“You don’t inspire your teammates by showing them how great you are. You inspire them by showing them how amazing they are.”

Finally, I would like to thank Naomi and all the players for their dedication, commitment and support. Also, to the team manager Sandie Healy for her hard work, and endless effort that never goes unnoticed. Myself and Ray are truly honoured to be part of this group. – Woosah!!!!!!!

Yours in Rugby.

Alan Hickey.

12 20th JANUARY 2019 PLAYER PROFILE: JACK “CHEESESTRING” QUINN – CRFC U13s

I started playing rugby when I was 6, after trying several other sports like kick boxing and horse riding, the list goes on. But after my very first training session with Clon I fell in love with rugby. I’d never played “ball sport” so I didn't even own a pair of boots!!! On the way home, my Dad bought me everything that I would ever need for rugby. When I started playing, we didn’t have official positions but when scrummaging was introduced, I played as a Hooker. As time passed, I grew too tall to continue playing as Hooker comfortably and when we went 15 a-side I moved to my favourite position, Openside Flanker. Five years later and I still love playing. I feature regularly at Number 7 and I couldn’t be happier. Thanks to Clon I’ve made some brilliant friends with the players and coaches. This season has been the best season yet and I look forward to wearing the Clon jersey for many more years to come.

Nicknames: Cheesestring One word to describe yourself: On-fleek Favourite Position: Openside Flanker Current Position: Openside Flanker Favourite TV Show: Moone Boy Favourite Team: Leinster Favourite Player to Watch: Jacob Stockdale Favourite Holiday Destination: Benidorm First Coach at Clondalkin RFC: Gareth “The Negotiator” Steed Favourite Memory Playing for Clondalkin: Playing in the Aviva Favourite Cartoon as a Kid: I am still a kid so SpongeBob Do You Play Any Other Sports: Noooooooooooooooooooooooooo When You Were Growing Up What Did You Want To Be: I’m still growing up Your Biggest Inspiration: Sly Stallone…. 72 years of age what a bleedin legend My Last Meal Would Be: My Nanny’s roast and mash dinner… mmmmm Stranded On An Island, What Are Your 3 Essential Items: A fully stocked luxury cruise ship, a female only crew all under the age of 25 and 1,000,000 Creme Eggs What Would You Buy With Your Last €50: Creme Eggs

13 20th JANUARY 2019 13 Clondalkin Under 13s

Crfc u13s... ones to watch Proudly top of the league

LEINSTER METRO U13 SUNDAY LEAGUE

Pos Team Pld W L D BP L Ded Pts Date Home Venue Visitors

Clondalkin Greystones 1 Clondalkin 5 5 0 0 0 0 20 11/11/18 34 10

2 DLSP 5 4 1 0 1 0 17 Clondalkin Bective 18/11/18 41 19

3 Westmanstown 5 3 2 0 0 0 12 Clondalkin Westmanstown 25/11/18 51 15 4 Bective 5 3 2 0 0 0 12 Clondalkin Coolmine 02/12/18 47 41 5 Clontarf B 4 1 3 0 0 0 4 Dundalk Clondalkin 09/12/18 24 69 6 Greystones B 6 1 5 0 0 0 4 DLSP Clondalkin 06/01/19 41 43 7 MU Barnhall B 4 0 4 0 0 0 0 Clondalkin MU Barnhall 13/01/19 67 12 8 Clondalkin 5 5 0 0 0 0 20 03/02/19 Clondalkin Clontarf

14 20th JANUARY 2019 CLONDALKIN RFC FIRST XV VS BALBRIGGAN RFC SUN, JAN 20, 2019 / GORDON PARK, CRFC / PROVINCIAL TOWNS CUP – ROUND 1

Replacements

1 2 3 Kevin Dunphy Conor Brian Doyle Darren Gareth Black McCrea Madden Darren Moore

4 5 Eoin Maher Marcus James James Murphy Doyle Kenny

6 7 8 REFEREE Stephen James Jason Le Lievre McKenna Simon King Farrell

CLONDALKIN RFC Stephen Bracken 9 Score:

Chris Jebb 10 Tries:

Conversions:

11 Ben Foran 12 Penalties: Niall Nolan Mikey Russell 13 CAPTAIN EDENDERRY RFC

Score: Ryan Maher 14 Tries:

Thomas Ankers 15 Conversions:

Penalties:

15 20th JANUARY 2019 CLONDALKIN RFC WOMEN’S XV VS EDENDERRY RFC SUN, JAN 20, 2019 / GORDON PARK, CRFC / WOMEN’S LEINSTER LEAGUE DIV 2

Replacements

1 2 3 Dawn Keegan

Aideen Niamh Irene Tsh Aine Costello Grogan Mc Donnell Emma Lewis 4 5

Sarah Jane Kerryn Masterson Buck

6 7 8 REFEREE Shona Byrne Naomi Fynes Gael Stowe CAPTAIN Audrey Fulham

CLONDALKIN RFC Niamh Farrelly 9 Score:

Brid Houlohan 10 Tries:

Conversions:

11 Ciara Meenagh 12 Penalties: Amanda Madden Sara Phelan 13 EDENDERRY RFC

Score: Elaine Matthews 14 Tries:

Nicola Smyth 15 Conversions:

Penalties:

16 20th JANUARY 2019 League Table Firsts Leinster League (J1) - Division 2A

BP Pos Team Pld W L D PF PA Diff BP BP L Ded Pts W

1 Clondalkin 11 8 3 0 329 195 134 8 6 2 0 40

2 Cill Dara 11 8 3 0 275 198 77 8 7 1 0 40

Wexford 3 11 8 3 0 290 198 92 7 6 1 0 39 Wanderers

4 Portlaoise 11 7 4 0 248 221 27 4 3 1 0 32

5 Newbridge 10 6 4 0 257 163 94 7 4 3 0 31

6 Mullingar RFC 11 3 8 0 168 320 -152 4 3 1 0 16

7 Railway Union 11 3 8 0 210 334 -124 2 1 1 0 14

8 New Ross 10 0 10 0 117 265 -148 3 0 3 0 3

League Table Seconds Leinster League (J2) - Division 2A

BP Pos Team Pld W L D PF PA Diff BP BP L Ded Pts W

1 Clondalkin 9 9 0 0 354 84 270 0 - 0 0 36

Wexford 2 10 7 3 0 234 155 79 1 - 1 0 29 Wanderers

3 Railway Union 10 6 4 0 240 213 27 1 - 1 0 25

4 Portlaoise 10 4 6 0 186 262 -76 1 - 1 0 17

5 Cill Dara 9 3 6 0 185 259 -74 1 - 1 -2 11

6 New Ross 8 2 6 0 47 142 -95 0 - 0 -2 6

7 Newbridge 8 1 7 0 95 226 -131 1 - 1 -4 1

17 20th JANUARY 2019 Senior First XV - Current Fixture List

Date Kick-off Home Venue Visitors Comp

27/01/09 2:30PM Newbridge Clondalkin League

17/02/19 3:00PM New Ross Clondalkin League

03/03/19 3:00PM Clondalkin Railway Union League

*FIXTURES ARE SUBJECT TO CUP GAMES

Senior Second XV - Current Fixture List

Date Kick-off Home Venue Visitors Comp

27/01/09 1:00PM Newbridge Clondalkin League

17/02/19 1:30PM New Ross Clondalkin League

03/03/19 1:30PM Clondalkin Railway Union League

*FIXTURES ARE SUBJECT TO CUP GAMES

PROUD SPONSORS OF CLONDALKIN SENIOR RUGBY

BUILDING SUPPLIES BELGARD

18 20th JANUARY 2019 Women's Leinster League Division 2

BP BP Pos Team Pld W L D PF PA Diff BP Ded Pts W L

1 Wicklow 9 8 0 1 279 56 223 7 7 0 0 41

2 Balbriggan 10 7 3 0 186 149 37 4 4 0 0 33

3 Edenderry 8 6 2 0 149 83 66 5 4 1 0 29

Garda 4 9 4 5 0 107 209 -102 1 1 0 0 18 Westmanstown

5 Clondalkin 7 2 4 1 95 93 2 4 2 2 0 14

6 Mullingar 9 2 7 0 126 226 -100 2 2 0 -2 9

7 Gorey 8 0 8 0 63 189 -126 1 0 1 0 1

Current Women’s Fixture List

Date Kick-Off Home Venue Visitors

27/01/19 1:00PM Clondalkin Mullingar

03/02/19 1:00PM Wicklow Clondalkin

17/02/19 1:00PM Clondalkin Garda/Westmanstown

*FIXTURES ARE SUBJECT TO CUP GAMES

19 20th JANUARY 2019

BROTHERS IN ARMS

Over the years many sets of brothers have player to play full international for in graced the rugby pitches wearing the the late 1980’s. Clondalkin jerseys. Here is a snapshot of some of them. We also had Marty O’Brien & his less energetic brother Donal playing. While current Team In early years we had the two Alexander Manager Conor Steed and his twin Gareth are brothers who alternated between lock & No 8. still very active in the club. Two former North Kildare lads, the McBennetts also added their weight to our teams. The Carr In later years we have had the sons of the family had three brothers who played including famous “Doc” Cullen playing and coaching. Joe & John. Probably the trio that gave the While the three sons of our Past President most concrete support to the club were the Winston Jebb are and have been stalwarts of Fitzsimons brothers, Brendan, Kevin, & Killian. the club for many years. As well as playing they also built our original clubhouse. Brendan still rambles up to sip a Of course the sons and Grandson of the late pint in the bar. Chris Stapleton have gaven us three generations of family in the club. There are no Then we had the Whites, Willie & Brian (our doubt others not included here but this gives current Hon Sec), the Cagney’s including our us a taste of the family ethos that Clon thrives Hon Treas. Pat. Jim Sexton’s sons featured with on. I have no doubt that many more Dudger & John playing thro underage to First generations & families will enjoy the craic in team. Indeed John became the first Clondalkin Gordon Park for many years to come.

21 20th JANUARY 2019

FROM THERE TO HERE… & BACK AGAIN

I had joined the Club shorty after its foundation Paddy and his fellow visionaries succeeded in and feel somewhat obligated to share some that effort and now CRFC has survived and excerpts of a previous writing effort to a new grown in size and stature since its foundation in group of Members. 1973.

To understand the founding of a Club like The uniqueness of that achievement have since Clondalkin RFC one must start by looking to the inspired several generations and introduced shared agendas of those who initiated the families to a great sport and game and the process. In this respect CRFC were a most lucky followers remain driven with similar energy club. Its founders and their supporters were, in and vision. hindsight, men of great integrity and vision and were fortunate to develop a very special and I was approached in 2011 by the then close relationship with the community in which President John Sttapleton to produce a booklet they worked and lived. for the Club’s 40th Anniversary in 2013 and was somewhat hesitant as there are others who I was sure would have much sharper recall of the in between years than I and that was of serious concern. The Present Club Chairman Gerry Gilligan co-edited that work. Copies are available in the Club of that effort entitled “From There to Here” and some selections One can be sure that the ‘founding fathers’ from that assist me here in this brief article referred to throughout this brief article, sat when I was again requested to submit a few many a night in the Central Bar in Clondalkin lines. and like minded places and mulled over pints of plain as they plotted and planned to set up There are many entitled to an acknowledgment CRFC. for their efforts in the early years when their youthfulness, vigour and commitment allowed A particular driving force lay in one Paddy them to apply their energies and time. Some of Gordon RIP who as the local bank manager in the founders since have moved on with their Bank of Ireland used his undoubted influence personal responsibilities and commitments to draw together a combination of influential including the demands of circumstances and people, interested adults and youths from the family. It is rewarding to see that the present village of Clondalkin (I understand the Club members are continuing to develop & support Colours come from his County of Roscommon). the Club.

23 20th JANUARY 2019 Clondalkin RFC was founded, formed and affiliated to the Leinster Branch of the I.R.F.U at the first AGM in May 1973, at a time when it was felt that the game be brought to and developed in the rapidly expanding West City village.

The foundation came about through the vision of a few select and energetic men. Of these honourable men, Paddy Gordon, Brendan O’Neill, John Dowling, and Paddy Whelan, and others have since sadly have passed on to their eternal awards. The fees that applied at the start up were Full Members £3.00, Student Member £2.00 and On the start-up two of the visionaries, Phil School Members £ 0.50. ----- WOW!!! A Harrison and Paddy Deveraux, arranged a comprehensive fixtures list was arranged for general practice match in March / April 1973 the 1974/75 Season which commenced on and with the first game against Old Kilcullen 22nd September and finished on the 16th RFC the full possibilities became apparent. March with an Annual Dinner Dance in the In that first game Clondalkin played in a set of Green Isle Hotel. jerseys borrowed from North Kildare RFC. Two teams were formed, one in the “3rd C grade”, and one in the “3rd D” grade, with plans to enter Cup Competitions in March 1975. In its first Season the Club did not win any trophy but played in twenty-one friendly matches. Of those they won ten, lost ten and drew one. However they reached the quarter finals of the Fox Cup and in so doing scored fifty one points.

From 1973 to the middle of 1977/ 78 seasons the Club had its home in Moyle Park, the local Marian College in Clondalkin, and the free use It was reported that on that occasion of its grounds. The Club is forever indebted to Clondalkin fielded something in the region of the then Rev. Bro. Peter of the Marist Brothers 30 players. As a result of further efforts the congregation at the time and the Marist Club was affiliated to the Leinster Branch and Order’s teachers and staff for their generous the project was on its way. The Secretary of the support both in allowing the use of the college Leinster Branch at the time, John Conroy, RIP, changing facilities and that time. John proved very supportive and was influential in arranging the affiliation

24 20th JANUARY 2019 WATCH ALL OF IRELAND'S AWAY SIX NATIONS GAMES IN YOUR LOCAL RUGBY CLUB Obtaining a ‘place of its own ‘became the focus us also provided two sons and now a grandson and the Executive Committee’s energy was who remain active right up to the present. further directed to that task. This There are many names that could be rolled out complemented the playing achievements and but the existing 40 year booklet provides in the developing support required for the club in some way for that. the player’s efforts on the field. In due course the 50th year one will add even more. A fund was established and contributed to by all the early members to enable the purchase Today the Club is a positive vehicle channelling of the property where the Clubhouse and the energy of many youths in our hinterland pitches now stand. Loans and contributions and looks towards the future as it advances to from the players and friends to finance the its 50-year Celebration in due course. start-up were sought. In addition local industry and business was approached and asked to contribute and here too the response was magnificent. These efforts for grounds reached its target when in 1977 the ground at Kingswood was purchased at auction.

In 1987/88, the Club Grounds and Clubhouse are called Gordon Park to acknowledge the founding role Paddy Gordon played in establishing the Club and his picture hangs above the fireplace in Clubhouse as a mark of respect to his vision. Sadly, Paddy Gordon RIP passed away at far too early an age after retirement and just when he was about to reap the benefit of his great efforts and his creation.

Along with many others but requiring a special mention here is the debt the Club owes to the This light weight article is of necessity only a Fitzsimons’s brother’s builders. Aside from brief introduction to give the reader a glimpse assisting with the construction of the of the origin and birth of a great experience in Clubhouse that family provided three playing community development and today’s game in Members for CRFC. The Club was equally most Gordon Park is a continuation of that vision of fortunate in another builder and his family, over 40 years ago. Chris Stapelton RIP, a great friend, was part of the strong force that moulded and sustained Chris McGlinn the Club then and for many years right to up to date. Chris who has also sadly departed from

26 20th JANUARY 2019

Bathrooms

Modern Living Porches

Windows & Doors Attic Conversions

Extensions Kitchens THE MAN IN THE MIDDLE TODAY

The referee for todays Provisional Towns Cup game against Balbriggan RFC is Jason Le Lievre.

Jason is an experienced referee from Clane rugby Club and is a native of New Zealand (but we wont hold that against him).

Profile:

How Long have you been referring? I started referring in 2013

What got you into referring? I suffered a bad shoulder dislocation while playing., so to get fit again and keep involved I started refereeing and I never went back to playing.

Rugby Experience? While I was playing I represented the New Zealand army, New Zealand combined forces and also New Zealand Universities. I’ve also played in Japan, Australia and Ireland. I’ve refereed in New Zealand, Australia and Ireland.

Favourite group? The Cure

Favourite teams? Ireland: Connacht NZ: Canterbury Crusaders and NPC

30 20th JANUARY 2019 MATCH DAY SPONSORS

31 20th JANUARY 2019 V PROUD SPONSOR

COME OUT AND SUPPORT THE BOYS IN GREEN AND ENJOY CLONDALKIN RFC OUR RACE NIGHT FROM 6PM