And so our Centenary season has come to an end.
The highlight of our celebrations was undoubtedly our Gala Ball in November where we were delighted to welcome the Presidents of the IRFU and the Leinster Branch as well as guest speaker Linda Djougang to a fabulous night in the Bracken Court Hotel. A huge thank you to Emma O’Kennedy for organising the evening.
On the pitch we had our historic first ever competitive match outside the province when our senior women travelled to Enniskillen to play in the AIL Junior Cup. The women cemented their place in a very competitive Division 1 this season and we look forward to them pushing on again next season.
For our senior men it was a tough year as a very young first team found their feet at senior level. Unfortunately, they were relegated to Leinster League 2B for next season but with the numbers coming through we have high hopes for an immediate return to 2A.
It was great to witness the growth in numbers in our senior squads that allowed our two senior seconds teams take to the field regularly this season. This is an extremely positive development and bodes well for the future of the Club.
Our Minis and Youths continue to develop the next generation of players and our youth teams both girls and boys between them qualified for seven finals this season. The future is indeed bright. Our U10 minis got to host the IRFU Aviva Mini Blitz for Leinster and qualified to play in the finals’ day in Lansdowne Road, a memory that is sure to spur them on to get back and play there again.
Of course, we have to mention our wonderful Stingers team who yet again are a source of great pride and joy in the Club. The now annual Stinger Blitz is fast becoming one of the best days of the year in the Club and earns rave reviews from visiting teams and Leinster players alike.
While season 25/26 is done preparations are already underway for season 26/27. We will be running tag rugby over the summer for youths and adults beginning on the 3 rd June. This is open to anyone who wants to have a bit of fun and keep active. We are also reviving the rugby on the green initiative which will take place in Taylor’s Hill over the summer.
Finally I would like to thank the Executive Committee for all the hard work they put in to keep this growing club going, our Director of Rugby, Jeff Neville who goes above and beyond in his commitment to the Club, our sponsors who contribute so much to help us deliver the best facilities and opportunities we can, the coaches and volunteers that give so generously of their time and, finally, the parents and guardians who despite one of the wettest winters on record continue to bring their kids down to play this wonderful sport.
Yours in rugby,
Kevin Colman
President
Balbriggan RFC