It has been a very hectic Summer in the world of UCD Rugby. With the promotion of the First XV back into Division 1B of the AIL League and the retirement of our long standing and esteemed Director of Rugby John McClean it was always going to be so. Another retirement was that of the inimitable Ned Thornton as representative to the Leinster Branch – whatever about Ned missing the Branch, the Branch will undoubtedly miss Ned and the fun which he brought to the meetings. Certainly the UCD RFC Executive Committee will miss his monthly reports – but we look forward to persuading Ned to stay involved for the Season ahead. David Carrigy was the final piece of the Troika to stand down from his position as Club Chairman. Having served for two years as Chairman and having done a spectacular job in running the Club, David felt that it was time for him to concentrate on the other 96 associated Member Unions of the IRB, the 20 affiliated Unions and working alongside some big names to bring The Republic of Nauru under the IRB umbrella!
And so Bobby Byrne has taken over from John McClean as Director of Rugby and thus far has managed to keep all of the existing squad in place for next season with a number of new developments and some exciting changes coming down the tracks.
Billy Murphy has taken up the reigns from Ned at the Leinster Branch and we look forward to working with Billy on the Executive and in other areas of the Club over the course of season. Billy will no doubt do an excellent job at the Executive of the Leinster Branch and will make sure the UCD RFC stays at the forefront of Leinster Club Rugby.
Dr. Hugh Brady who had a very successful Centenary Year as Club President hands that baton to James Meenan. President Meenan has already formed an Alecadoo Social Committee and brings to the table a wealth of ideas and an abundance of fun – so drop him a line to get involved!
It is the Executive Committee though which possibly has undergone the biggest change with an injection of young blood. Fred Gilligan has taken over as Chairman of the Club and will oversee the administrative side of things. However in this regard three new Deputy Chairmen were appointed to assist Fred. Kevin Kenny has been appointed as Deputy Chairman of Rugby and he will liaise with Bobby Byrne and the rugby Committee to ensure that all things rugby are continuously moving forward and that the desired results are achieved.
Rory Timlin has been appointed Deputy Chairman in charge of developing a new club Constitution and converting the Strategic Review into a strategic Plan and bringing that concept to fruition. We have no doubt that Rory will deliver an impressive plan in the coming months along with getting used to having a baby daughter on the scene!! Huge Congratulation to Rory on this front.
Deputy Chairman Shane Geraghty is looking after the fundraising and administrative side of the club and he has some really big opportunities for all members – young and old – to get involved in the social side of the Club. With events such as the UCD RFC Golf outing, the Colours game, the Club Family day on September 10th, an inaugural Business Lunch and the Annual Club Dinner on the 30th March 2012 to look forward to, Shane will have his hands full.
The Club has also employed Enda O’Connor as full time Club Administrator and Development Officer and he will be working closely with Shane and Bobby to bring the many events and ideas to fruition over the coming Season. Enda will be based in the sports office and will be an invaluable resource to all members – his email is info@ucdrugby.com and he looks forward to hearing from you today or tomorrow at the latest!
All in all the 2011 / 2012 season bodes very well and we here in the Rugby Club are very excited. However there is one essential ingredient to this Season that only the members can provide and that is YOU! We need huge support this season socially and on the sidelines so please come out and support any one of the 8 teams that will be playing every weekend throughout the season.
To get things started we hope to see you on September 10th in the Bowl for the Club Family Day.