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.
