Players from Balbriggan RFC enjoyed a great weekend up in Carlingford. Here are some photos from the trip.

Balbriggan make the McGee Cup Final after a hard fought semi-final against Navan. Final score 9 v 3. Billy Phelan kicked Balbriggans 3 penalties. He kicked 2 in the first half giving Balbriggan a 6 v 0 lead at half-time. He scored a third penalty to give Balbriggan a 9 v 0 lead, early in the second half. Both teams missed a number of penalties, but half way through the second half, Navan got their only score. This was a hard fought and even game, and credit to a fine Navan performance. Tonights referee was Helen O’Reilly of Ashbourne, who has been selected to referee in the Ladies World Cup in August. Best of luck to Helen. Helen was ably assisted by Mark Power (Boyne RFC) and Hugh Early (Skerries RFC). Well done to Balbriggan; players, coaches and supporters.

As many of you know, Balbriggan RFC have worked for many years on a project to develop a swimming pool, together with clubhouse, on our home grounds. This project is intended to deliver a state of the art amenity for all the community in Balbriggan and surrounding areas.

In recent weeks there has been an intensified level of contact between Fingal Co Co and Balbriggan RFC in order to progress the project. Thanks to the efforts of Cllr Tom O’Leary, a meeting was held between the Office of Public Works, the Department of Sport and Fingal Co Co last Friday. At the meeting the three participants agreed a way forward and Cllr O’Leary reported to Balbriggan RFC on Saturday, that the project will go out for expressions of interest in May. This first stage will indicate if there are parties interested in developing the project. One way or another, we will know by the end of the Summer if the project is to proceed or if the club will have to look at other options. At Cllr O’Leary’s invitation, Club President Gerry Hennigan, and former Club President Robert Cashell, met with Minister James Reilly and Cllr O’Leary on Saturday, where they expressed their support in getting this project over the line. Later in the day Gerry also had communication with Minister Brian Hayes who is in charge of the OPW. Minister Hayes also expressed his support for Project Phoenix.

The Club would like to thank Cllr O’Leary for his efforts and we look forward to seeing the project move to some from of conclusion over the coming weeks. Hopefully interest will be shown in the project and that the town and community of Balbriggan will benefit from a much needed facility.

Balbriggans 2nd team got off to a great start tonight in the Dunne Cup, against Navan. Final score 49 v 21, in a game that went to extra time. Final score at the end of normal time was 21 v 21, with Balbriggan scoring 3 converted tries in normal time, and 4 converted tries in extra time! Try scorers were David O’Sullivan (2), Andy McCaffrey (2), Des O’Connor, Cathal McNulty, Damian Sheridan. Cathal McNulty kicked 3 conversions, and Mick McKiernan and Conor Dundon kicked 2 conversions each. Great result for the team!

St Molagas NS Balbriggan and St Patricks NS Stamullen played in the final of the Pat Browne Memorial Cup tonight. There was a great crowd in attendance. St Patricks won 3-1 after extra time. Special thanks to Frank Duffy and Eamon Darcy for organising such a tremendous event, and of course thanks also to all the schools who participated in the competition. The Cup was presented by Pats sons, Robert and Adam. Here are some photos of tonights event. Well done to all!

Balbriggans 2nd XV play Navan this Friday, 4th April, in the first round of the Dunne Cup. KO is 8pm at Balbriggan RFC. The lads would appreciate your support.

Pat Browne Memorial Cup – The date for the final has been set. It will take place on Thursday 3rd April @7.30pm at Balbriggan Rugby Club. The finalists are St Patrick’s NS Stamullen and St Molaga’s NS Balbriggan.

Congratulations to all teams who took part in the group stages, which leaves us with a very evenly matched final. All for the taking now and may the best team on the night take the spoils. Good luck to both teams from Balbriggan RFC.

Great numbers marched with Balbriggan RFC this year in the St Patricks Day Parade. It was a great effort on the part of the players, parents and coaches of the minis section of the club. BRFC won the best Sporting Group section of the parade on the day Here are some photos of them parading. Well done to all involved!

This week, the 5th/6th classes of some local primary schools will take part in the Pat Browne Memorial Cup competition sponsored by Balbriggan RFC.

Pat Browne was a former member and President of Balbriggan RFC, who had a great interest in developing youth rugby for the club and the community, and has helped bring youth rugby to the great levels it has reached today.
Group stages will take place at Balbriggan RFC on Tuesday, March 11th and Wednesday, March 12th between 10.30 and 12.00 with a final being played later in the month by the winners of each days group stage.

Schools taking part are;
Tuesday – St Malogas (2 teams), Educate Together, and Balrothery NS
Wednesday – Stamullen NS (2 teams), St Georges, and Naul NS

We hope all participants enjoy the weeks rugby to come.

Balbriggans 1st XV play Ratoath in a crucial McGee Cup game tomorrow evening, Friday March 7th, at Balbriggan RFC. KO 8pm. Please come along and support your team.