Club Notes: Abbeyfeale RFC

This week’s club notes come from Abbeyfeale RFC.

Courtesy of:- Conor Prendeville, Abbeyfeale RFC

Saturday the 22nd of August represents a milestone of sorts for both the family of the late Noelie 'Spike' Roche and Abbeyfeale RFC, as they play host to the 5th Annual Noelie Roche Memorial Tag Rugby Day at the Grove Grounds. In what was only envisaged to be an once-off tournament, the event has subsequently exceeded all expectations and with time, has continued to grow in stature, becoming a firm fixture in everyone's calendar. The timing of this years event is later than usual due to the unavailability of the playing field during the town's Gather by the Feale festival. But people's enthusiasm, excitement and more importantly, support for the event, has thankfully not been diminished.

Noelie, or 'Spike' as he was more affectionately known as to friends and foes alike, sadly passed away in 2009, but his memory lives on with this special day in his honour. With an immeasurable sporting pedigree, Spike was perhaps best known as being a truly gifted scrum half during his day, not just for Abbeyfeale RFC, but during his time with the Munster Junior rugby team, in which he was capped four times. In many ways, for some, Spike was the template for all aspiring scrum halves that succeeded him within the club. Perhaps a mentor of sorts you may say. But instead of bombarding his 'pupils' with words of advice, Spike instead showed them the right way to play the position. Having been part of the winning 94/95 Munster Junior League Division Two team, Spike was duly awarded the club captaincy for the 95/96 season in Division One (the first and only time the club has been in that division to date) leading his team to an unprecedented third place finish in the final standings. Although Spike was quite content with his medal haul during his time playing, capturing the McElligott Cup on numerous occasions and picking up a league medal, one cup though proved to be all too elusive for both him and his teammates-The Dr. George O'Mahony Cup. Tried as they might, heartbreak after heartbreak followed, with final defeats to Cobh Pirates and Bruff proving to be too much for players and supporters alike. Nevertheless, all of these memories are ones that we fondly share of Spike, and ones that are not likely to be forgotten any time soon. As long as this event continues to prosper every year, the memory of Spike shall remain strong in both our minds and hearts.

With last years event being a resounding success, this year is once again shaping up to be another eventful day and one that can certainly not be missed. With proceedings beginning at 1pm SHARP, the club would encourage people to arrive at 12pm in order to register their respective teams. There will be food and refreshments served throughout the day, while there will also be Tag rugby games provided for kids, and a mini Ladies competition. Live music will be provided in the clubhouse from 6pm onwards from the exceptionally talented, No Direction, fresh from supporting Hermitage Green at the Gather by the Feale festival, and DJ Larry, who will provide music from pitch side throughout the day. All proceeds from this event will go towards the development of the club's Underage and Mini teams. So, come along and join in, in what is bound to be a memorable day!! Don't miss out!! See you there!!

20th ANNIVERSARY REUNION
After hosting the Tag Rugby earlier on the day, the club will also be reeling in the years when we celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Munster Junior League Division 2 winning team of 94/95, of which Spike played a prominent role in. All are welcome!!