MY CLUB: Ballynahinch RFC
Ballymacarn Park,
6 Mountview Road,
Ballynahinch,
BT24 8JR
www.hinchrfc.com
By DAIRE WALSH
THERE was much relief around Ballymacarn Park on May 3when the Ballynahinch retained their Ulster Bank League Division 1A status with a comprehensive play-off triumph over Buccaneers.
This victory ensures that the County Down club will continue to be Ulster’s sole representatives in the All-Ireland League’s top flight, and club Chairman Philip Gregg is hopeful that more local teams will join them in the near future.
“Well that was very important to us (to stay in Division 1A). We worked very hard to get there over the years. We aim to stay there, not just for Ballynahinch, but we think it’s very good to have an Ulster club there as well,” said Gregg.
“Local derbies in 1A would be something that would be very good for the clubs, both financially and to create an interest in the local game in Ulster.”
Outside of the first fifteen, the 2013/14 campaign was a very successful one for the club in general and with a total of seven adult teams being fielded in addition to a thriving underage set-up, there is plenty of reason for ‘Hinch to be cheerful.
“Without being arrogant, but we’re pretty strong throughout the club. Certainly our second to seventh 15s were all very successful (this season). The seconds won their respective league and the junior cup.
“The thirds won their cup and finished second in the league. The fourths won their league. I think the sixths won their league, and the fifths and sevenths finished high up in their respective leagues.”
As a life-long member of the club, Gregg held a number of key positions before assuming his current role, and also served ‘Hinch with plenty of distinction as a player.
“As of two weeks ago, I’ll be going into my third year as chairman. I’ve been on the committee for probably very close to 30 years.
“The previous chairman, a guy called David Workman who was a great driving force in our club, did 24 years. I can’t see me lasting that long somehow!”
“I was President of the club in 2003, and then I was chairman of the rugby committee and rugby development committee for quite a number of years. I captained the first XV on two occasions. That’s a long time ago unfortunately, 1989 and 1994/95.”
As the profile of the 11-time Ulster Senior Cup champions continues to rise, certain developments will be required to keep the club moving forward, and Gregg revealed that a major drainage programme on the first fifteen’s surface is currently underway.
“We’re always looking to improve our facilities if possible. The major development we have this year is a major drainage programme on our first XV pitch at the cost of close to £40,000-45,000.
“We’ll be spending on the first XV pitch to provide a better playing surface. Obviously with our weather, we need to upgrade our drainage facilities,” he added.