Killarney RFC update – A message from the Club:
Late last week the IRFU decided to cease all domestic rugby throughout the country with immediate effect, ending our season at all ages from Minis to Seniors and cancelling the forthcoming Interpro between Munster Juniors and Connacht Juniors . These are obviously unprecedented times and the COVID-19 virus represents a challenge for all members of society. The club would like to remind everyone to wash their hands and please, please observe Social Distancing at all times to help ‘Flatten the Curve’. Keep posted to the HSE site and the news for updates rather than WhatsApp messages and rumour. Together we can get rid of this virus for once and for all, but it will need every single person to do their bit. We hope that everyone will follow the advice and stay safe in the weeks and months that follow.
Rugby will make a comeback and we have a wonderful club with hugely energetic people. We look forward to opening Aghadoe to all rugby activities and are planning ahead for the new season.
Look back at the Season:
Looking back on the season that has just ended, it was indeed a very busy one for the club and its newly redeveloped pitches at Aghadoe.
The club has gone from strength to strength this season with fantastic numbers training at all ages. This year we fielded a Second Senior XV, which competed well in the South Munster J3 League, and disputed the McGillycuddy Cup final with Corca Dhuibhne. Our Seniors reached the final of the McElligott and Martin O’Sullivan Cups. We would like to thank our Head Coach Diarmuid O’Malley for his efforts over the past few seasons. Diarmuid has decided to step down as head coach and the Club would like to thank Diarmuid for his hard work.
Our U18.5s had a fantastic season culminating in winning the West Munster Cup against Tralee, and playing some excellent rugby right across the season. It was great to see so many players turning up for training and competing for every position. Our U16 boys had very good season and also witnessed fantastic numbers training and playing across the season. Our U14 actually split into 'Black' and 'Red' to compete in the cup and plate given their strong numbers. A huge thank you to all our youth coaches for their sterling efforts and focus.
This season was truly historic for the club as it was the first time that we had U14 girls and U16 girls training. Our U14 girls enjoyed a fantastic season, reaching the Semi Final of the Munster Cup, with excellent wins in the league and cup run, before the season ended prematurely and our U16s enjoyed a development season and will continue to build next season. Thanks to the coaches and all involved and to the girls for their bags of enthusiasm.
We also commenced Senior Ladies training this season and are really looking forward to developing this aspect of the club even further in the season ahead. We held a very successful Give It A Try programme last summer, aimed at introducing girls who haven’t played before to our fanstastic sport. A great deal of effort by one and all and thanks to everyone involved.
Our Minis had another hectic season with high numbers at training and we hosted teams from Kilfeacle, Sundays Well as well as most West Munster Clubs at Aghadoe. Although the weather put paid to some sessions, we had an enjoyable season, traveling to Tralee and Listowel for blitzes and having great fun at training. Thanks to our band of coaches for all the hard work with their charges.
Aghadoe:
Being in Aghadoe meant that we had our own base and with the numerous teams competing at various levels as well as training, Aghadoe was a hub of activity right across the season. We were very proud to host Munster Rugby for a training session last September, which was a huge success for the club. We also have commenced work on various initiatives including promoting Diversity and Inclusion right across the club. We were due to commence Walking Rugby, but this will be delayed until the summer.
First off we would like to thank our players and coaches for their hard work and unwavering commitment right across the season. We would like to say a special thanks to our new Hospitality Crews who went above and beyond to look after everyone with teas, coffees, well deserved hot chocolates and for putting on a fantastic welcome for all visiting clubs. Most of all for the chat and homely welcome given to all and for keeping the clubhouse in top shape. It was great to witness and a credit to all. Thanks to every single volunteer for representing the club with pride – you are all part of the #blackandredarmy
Help:
If any of our club members would like any assistance be it with an errand, help with the shopping or just a chat don’t hesitate to give us a shout.
Liam Murphy 087-4145662
Tom O’Leary 086-3260193
Ger Moynihan 087-1240365
Ger Sugrue 087-9928740
