Club Notes

This week’s cub notes come courtesy of Abbeyfeale RFC and Newcastle West RFC.

Abbeyfeale RFC by Conor Prendiville.

It was with great shock and sadness that we learned of the unexpected passing of our dear friend, Denis Murphy, most recently.

The loss of such a wonderful beacon of light is just unfathomable to comprehend. A pillar of the club, both Denis’ contributions and influences are very much woven into the fabric of our club. From player, to coach, to mentor, to committee member – Denis or ‘Denisheen’ has helped shape the success of the club today.

A distinct voice with an unique wit, Denis, on many occasions would perform the role of master of ceremonies for any club function, doing so with such aplomb; it would have people talking about it for days after.

His character was infectious, his wit alluring, his wisdom unquestionable. He was our leader, our Sheppard, and we were his flock. He was a man who would give his shirt off his back, a ‘father figure’ of sorts. He would not only ensure you had some food in your hand, but would also ensure you had a drink to your mouth. He would pull a chair for you to ensure you were involved in a conversation. He would speak to anyone, young and old, and when he did, one would listen.

The stories about Denisheen are endless, many of which will be spoken about in great length and warmth in the weeks, months and years ahead. Part of the famous ‘30 stone back-row’, Denisheen wrote his name into folklore history, when he scored a try in the corner in the last minute to win the 1978 Munster Junior Plate against Shannon. That try saw Abbey win by 7 points to 6, a victory more famous among Abbey folk than that of Munster’s defeat of the mighty All Blacks.

His passion and pride for Abbeyfeale rugby knew no boundaries. He openly wore both on his sleeve. When Cork side, Highfield, a senior club who got relegated to the Junior ranks, came rolling into town for a Munster Junior Clubs Challenge Cup tie – Abbey defeated them in a smash and grab one point win on a wet, windy, miserable day at the Grove – the Cork side’s only loss that season. Elation inevitably followed, but what raised the pride stakes further that day was a defiant yet emotional Denisheen, who reminded our guests where they were. With a clenched fist raised to the sky, the now immortal words of ‘Welcome to Junior rugby!!’ were born from the lips of our dear beloved friend. Needless to say, the message was understood.

Like his brother, Con, before him, Denis will be spoken about everyday until we lose breath – with laughter with the tales he once told, with gratitude with the help he once gave, with guidance he once bestowed, with friendship he once held. His legacy shall never be forgotten, his work and drive will sadly be missed.

Life is cruel, but God it seems needs Denis’ incredible talents more than we do. To you our dear friend, you have carved your name onto many people’s hearts, your memories forever more etched in our minds. Your boundless generosity, your endless love and friendship will all be sadly missed.

Sleep well dear friend. Forgive us for shedding a tear and making a fuss of you this weekend. It’s what we do best. In another life, we shall meet again.

God only knows what mischief both you and Con will get up to now above.

Newcastle RFC by Martin O’Sullivan.

A weekend of rugby we will not forget…

University of South Florida Rugby Club comes to town…

Last weekend was certainly a Paddy’s weekend to be remembered for our Club. On Paddy’s day, we entertained the University of South Florida Rugby Club. Newcastle west fielded a Barbarian team combining the u20, the J1 the Elites and the Black pigs and the game refereed by our own Phillip Wrenn proved to be as entertaining game as has been played in our Killeline grounds. The Newcastle west BaBa’s proved to be too strong for the USF colleges but a memorable occasion was truly enjoyed by the Large Crowd of spectators. At the post-match dinner, the USF manager Gordon Campel highly praised the warm welcome and ambience experienced at the Clubhouse and also the enjoyable open rugby that was played. He gave a special thanks to Rob Grimes for coordinating such an event and indeed to all who the volunteers for helping out. After the exchanging of plaques, our Barbarian captain Shane Magner led the weary crusaders to Whelans to finish off their Tour watching Ireland winning the Grand slam and indeed enjoying a bit of soakage.

Ireland U18s call on one of our own for selection

We at Newcastle West Rugby Club would like to take this opportunity to Congratulate Charlie O Doherty on his Selection by The u18 Ireland school/club international Squad. Yet another step in what is a wonderful career for this young man. Charlie is a member of our club for over 10 years now he has gone through the minis and youths structure of the club and has a legacy going back many years in the O Doherty family who have been a much-involved family in playing and coaching in our club. We would also like to congratulate both His parents Vinny and his wife and Charlie’s siblings on this great family achievement.

The club is really proud of Charlie.

Congratulations to Caolan Dooley

on scoring a try for Glenstal on a Historical occasion when they beat CBC 18 points to 17 ensuring their first ever Senior Schools title More to follow next week about our underage club man on this momentous occasion.

Greyhound Race & 2017/2018 Awards Night Fundraiser

Tickets are on sale now from all club members €10.00 per adult and kids go free. There will be a great raffle on the night and a night and the dogs will be great fun. Our players will also receive their awards for this season.

It costs a lot of money to run the club so your support would be greatly appreciated.

Please visit our facebook page for full details of the event.

Under 15s

This weekend saw the 15s take on St Sennans and had a 24 to 10 win. This time is improving and their confidence is growing. The team heads off on their tour to Manchester this Friday.

The players, Parents, Coaches and fundraising group would like to say thank you to all who have supported the fundraising for this tour. They would also like to thank all you have supported all their fundraising events over the last few months.

This year’s rugby festival weekend

After the great success of last year’s Rugby Fest weekend in May 2017, the clubs committees are busy planning the 2018 festival. Sunday the 27^th of May is now the date set for the fun day and we also hold our annual tag rugby event, The Black Boar Rugby Festival.

More details of all events to follow.

Lotto

This weeks lotto took place in Ned Kellys Bar, and we had a great crowd thank you all again for your support. Pat Daly our it guru is also busy working on getting our lotto online so watch this space. This week’s results:

Numbers drawing, 03,09,10,11 No Winner.

Lucky Dip winners, €30.00 each, Eoin Cahill, Richard Massey, Tina Mc Intyre, Frank Mc Intyre, Brian Madden, Breda White.

Next weeks draw will be held at Ballintemple Inn.

Thank You

The club would like to thank all the parents and kids who marched in this weeks St Patricks Day parade.

Schools Tag Rugby

Schools tag rugby has been a great success with over 10 schools involved this year. We are looking forward to the school’s blitz on Friday Apil13th Ken will be in touch with all schools and times .Munster rugby and Newcastle West rugby coaches are both taken part to promote the game in schools. If your school would like to be involved please email our club secretary at ncwrfcsecretary@gmail.com

Club Information

Our website page www.newcastlewestrfc.com is always available and has all information for all age groups. Our Facebook page Newcastle West Rugby Football Club is also available, please like and share our page giving your friends the opportunity to like the page also. All upcoming events will be posted on both website and Facebook page. For any queries, you can contact us through Facebook or if you go to the website all coaches and contact numbers are available on both sites.

Membership is now online

Membership for Adults, Players, Families and Youths is now payable online. You can pay your membership by going to our website page www.Newcastlewestrfc.com or on our Facebook page Newcastle West Rugby Football Club on the left side of facebook page you will see Buy Membership click on this and it will take you to payment options for membership. Please note if you don’t pay you won’t play. Visit the link below to pay.

https://www.facebook.com/ncwrfc/app/190322544333196/

Your Club Needs You

The call is going out and your Club Needs you! We are asking any ex-players or parents for help as volunteers are very important to keep the club running so if you have some spare time on your hands please get in contact with us. Don’t leave it to the same people, this is your club it won’t run itself. “Anything can be accomplished as long as you don’t care who gets the credit.”