Club Notes | Dungarvan RFC Recognise Club Stalwart Mossie Keith

If you’ve ever set foot in Dungarvan Rugby Club, chances are you’ve heard the name Mossie Keith. Not just a player, not just a referee, not just a committee member.

Mossie is the kind of person who embodies everything that makes a club thrive. His presence has been woven into the very fabric of the club for decades, shaping its culture, guiding its players, and ensuring that respect, camaraderie, and passion for the game are always at the forefront. Rugby runs in his veins, passed down through a family deeply rooted in the sport.

His mother, Carmel Keith, has always been a proud supporter of rugby, with three of her brothers playing the game. Michael Caplice played while attending Rockwell College before joining the Gardaí and continuing his rugby career with Ballina RFC. Another brother, Paddy, played for Cashel RFC, while his brother Mossie played for Clanwilliam RFC.

For a young Mossie, rugby wasn’t just a sport, it was a legacy. He still remembers the moment he visited Cashel and saw his uncle’s picture on the wall, a defining experience that ignited his passion and set him on his own journey.

Early Playing Career and Achievements (As described by Dermot Kiely, U18.5 Coach)

Mossie began his rugby journey in the 1992/93 season, playing for Dungarvan before heading to college in Waterford and Tralee. While in college, he continued his rugby career, winning the league with Waterford City.

Speaking to Dermot Kiely, he reminisced about the great times they had playing together. He recalled how he brought Mossie to his very first game on a Friday night, and that night, Dermot ended up staying with him because he had no way home. That first match was just the start of many unforgettable Friday nights they shared on the pitch, forging a friendship built on rugby, camaraderie, and plenty of great memories. That tradition, while no longer played out on the field, still continues to this day in other ways.

Dermot spoke with great pride when he said that ” he is honored to call Mossie his best friend”, a testament to the lifelong bonds that rugby creates. After his time in Ireland, Mossie moved to San Francisco, where he met his wife. Upon returning home, he immediately rejoined Dungarvan Rugby Club, eager to contribute once again. He played with great commitment and also took on important administrative roles, serving as Director of Rugby and Fixtures Secretary.

His leadership was instrumental in ensuring the club continued to develop and grow. His passion for rugby was also shared with his father, Tom Keith, who was an avid supporter of the sport. Tom loved watching rugby and brought his children to matches whenever possible, including the famous Munster vs. All Blacks game in Cork in 1989.

A Driving Force in Dungarvan Rugby (As described by Mike Daly, Senior Coach)

“Mossie played a pivotal role in the resurgence of the men’s team in the early 2000s, helping lift a struggling Division 3 side to a strong Division 2 team. His dedication to the club extended beyond his own playing days—he was a key figure in establishing a second team, ensuring more players had opportunities to compete.”

“One of his proudest moments was bringing back the Ballyrandle trophy to Dungarvan after many years”. “Beyond playing, Mossie dedicated himself as a player, manager, committee member, and mentor to young players transitioning from juvenile rugby.”

“His work alongside Eddie Kiely and Trevor Doherty helped shape a winning and respectful culture in the club, where development and enjoyment of the game were always at the forefront.”

A Leader in Officiating

Upon retiring from playing, Mossie turned his attention to refereeing, where he quickly excelled. His deep understanding of the game, coupled with his calm and authoritative approach, made him one of Munster’s most respected officials. He has refereed at all levels, ensuring games are played fairly and with great sportsmanship.

Speaking with Eddie Kiely, he reflected on Mossie’s unwavering dedication to the club. Whenever a referee was needed, Mossie was always the first person they called. If he had the time, he would step up without hesitation, ensuring that games could go ahead. His reliability and willingness to give back to the game made him an invaluable presence.

Eddie described Mossie as an impactful character and a great ambassador for Dungarvan Rugby Club, someone whose presence on and off the field has shaped the culture of respect and dedication within the club.

Continuing to Shape the Game (As described by Roy O’Flynn, President, Munster Association of Referees)

“Mossie has been a member of the Munster Association of Referees for the past 12 years, dedicating his time on weekends and sometimes midweek, officiating at all levels, even accommodating last-minute changes to refereeing assignments within the province.”

“His commitment to the Association and passion for officiating the game of rugby ensures that the core values of respect and integrity go far beyond the playing field. His work as a referee has not gone unnoticed by those behind the scenes, and his impact on the MAR has been immeasurable. This was particularly recognised in the 2024/25 season, when Mossie was selected as one of the officials for the Munster vs. All Blacks XV match in Thomond Park, a prestigious assignment that speaks volumes about his ability and dedication.”

“Many referees, including myself, look up to Mossie. His presence at MAR meetings, offering advice to young referees and even to some of the longer-serving members, has made a significant impact. Whether it’s at match-day venues or simply picking up the phone to discuss a law of the game, Mossie is an invaluable resource within the MAR”.

A Legacy That Continues

Mossie Keith embodies everything great about Dungarvan Rugby Club, commitment, leadership, and passion for the sport. Whether as a player, coach, director, referee, or mentor, he continues to give his best to the club and its members. He is the teammate you want by your side on the field, in the trenches, and at the pub afterward. His story is still being written, as he remains an active force in rugby, inspiring players and officials alike with his unwavering dedication to the game.