Congratulations to Ashbourne RFC on winning the McGowan Cup this afternoon, and congratulations to the clubs of the North East in their performance in this brilliant game of rugby. Final score was very close with Ashbourne holding out to win 17 v 22. We were honoured to have the President of the Leinster Branch, Robbie McDermott, at Balbriggan RFC to watch the game and present the medals and Cup. Many thanks to the match officials today, led by George Clare of Dundalk, in his final season as a referee. One of the officials (Hugh Early) even went so far as to don the North East colours. Well done and thanks Hugh! Thanks to touch judges Carl McIntyre and Pierce Hederman also. The Clubs of the North East would like to thank in particular, Peter Clarke of Navan for taking the training session during the week and for managing the team on the day. Finally, the North East would like to thank Bill Douglas for all his work in selecting the North East team. Today’s McGowan Cup Final showed all that is good about rugby in the North East. Best of luck to all clubs in the coming season.

The McGowan Cup Final will be played on Sunday 6th September in Balbriggan RFC, KO 3pm. Ashbourne RFC will play a North East Leinster Selection, which will include players from Balbriggan, Ardee, Athboy, Swords, North Meath and Ratoath. Balbriggan’s Ciaran Malone will captain the North East Selection team. The McGowan Cup is the J1 Premier Competition of North East Leinster, and is named after former Balbriggan legend GL McGowan. GL McGowan was a Towns Cup winner with Balbriggan in 1928 and a former President of the Club, as well as a founder and President of Delvin RFC.
Please come along for this match, which promises to be a great encounter, and which will kick off Balbriggan RFC’s 90th Anniversary season. Gate Admission is €5 per car.

Balbriggan RFC Youth Registration AND Training takes place this Wednesday 2nd September at 7.30pm. Any new players that wish to play rugby, please come along on Wednesday and give it a try!

Balbriggan kicked off the new season by winning the inaugural Beachy Cup at Boyne RFC this afternoon. The Cup is a memorial to the late John ‘Beachy’ McCreanor from Ardee and of Boyne Rugby Club, who died in 2012. Clubs from the North-East; Ardee, Athboy, North Meath, Ratoath, Swords and Balbriggan all took part. It was a great afternoon of rugby with Balbriggan edging out a very strong North Meath 8 v 0 in the final. Thanks to Boyne RFC for hosting this very successful competition and to Beachy’s family for presenting this beautiful memorial trophy.

Balbriggan RFC wish to extend condolences to Mick McKiernan and his family, on the passing of his mother at the weekend. Our thoughts are with Mick and his family at this time. May she Rest In Peace.

Coaches and helpers from the Youths and Minis sections of Balbriggan RFC, attended a Child Welfare Policy Seminar this evening, provided by our Child Welfare Officer, Lisa Kelly. The Club has previously adopted the IFRU Child Welfare Policy which is available on the Club Website, in the Useful Links section. Coaches, members and parents are invited to read through this policy document. Thanks to Lisa for providing this important seminar this evening. There will be a further seminar for those who could not attend tonight, on Sep 2nd.

Registration evening is Thursday 20th Aug 7pm – 8pm, at Balbriggan RFC.
With the Rugby World Cup taking place this year, we expect great interest so secure your place by attending the registration evening. The Minis Section of the Club is open to boys and girls aged 6 – 12.

As many of you will be aware, this coming season Balbriggan RFC celebrates its 90th anniversary. One of the major events to celebrate our 90th, is our Gala Ball taking place in the Bracken Court Hotel on Friday November 27th. All current club members and all past members are invited to attend; in particular we would like to re-unite the teams that won the Culliton Cup in 77, and the Anderson Cup in 1980, 1993 and 2000. This is a black-tie event and tickets are €50. For more information contact BRFC90years@gmail.com

Balbriggan RFC’s Annual Tag Rugby Day takes place on Saturday, 8th August. Start time is 1.00pm. Cost is €5 per person, which covers Tag & BBQ. Must be over 12, open to men & women, and as always newcomers are welcome. Come along for what is always a great day at the club.

Balbriggan RFC hosted a Leinster Summer Camp last week. The camp was a huge success, being the second biggest camp run by Leinster Rugby this year.
138 children from ages 6 – 12 took part. Most children were from Balbriggan but some came from a variety of other clubs in the North east and as far afield as Barcelona and the US. Coaches came from Leinster Rugby to teach the young players a variety of skills needed for rugby, but they also ensured that the kids had fun too. On Wednesday the players were treated to a visit from Leinster players Darragh Fanning and local legend Jamie Hagan, who just this week re-signed for Leinster. On Friday, the final day of the camp, there was ice-cream for all the players, courtesy of Balbriggan RFC. Each child received a certificate to show that they had learned to play the Leinster way.
Much thanks and credit must go to Gerry McCleery of Leinster Rugby and all his coaching staff for a great week.