MY CLUB: DUNDALK RFC
Mill Road,
Castletown Dundalk,
Co Louth,
info@dundalkrfc.ie
By DAIRE WALSH
THE 2014/15 campaign has been a truly unforgettable one for Dundalk RFC. In addition to their outstanding Ulster Bank All-Ireland Junior Cup success, they were also crowned McGowan Cup and Leinster League Division 1A champions.
Their triumph in the latter competition enabled them to progress to the IRFU Provincial Qualifying League Championship, and after recording Round Robin victories over Instonians, Clonmel and Connemara, Ene Fa’atau’s men secured their place in next season’s newly-formed Ulster Bank League Division 2C with a promotion/relegation play-off win against De La Salle Palmerston.
Dundalk RFC President Larry Steen hailed the outstanding achievements of the team, who will renew acquaintances with some familiar faces in the Ulster Bank League in 2015/16.
“It’s been a fantastic year for us. Obviously, we came close enough last year, we were second in the league last year. So, we had ambitions this year in the Leinster League. We were targeting that from the start, but we couldn’t believe the success we’ve had all year,” remarked Steen.
“It’s a real bonus to have two close clubs (in our division next year), Navan and Boyne, who we’ve had great relations with over the years. We obviously haven’t had an opportunity of playing them for a few years now at the top level, so it would be great to renew the rivalry with them. We’ve traditionally had a great rivalry with Tullamore over the years. That will be a further added bonus.”
In most clubs across the country, the role of club President is traditionally a one-year post. However, as Steen explains, there is a different dynamic to this position in Dundalk.
“In Dundalk, we tend to do two years. Some people have done more than that, but generally two. It’s more a chief executive job in Dundalk Rugby Club. In some clubs it’s more of an honorary position.
Honour
“I’ve just completed my first year, so it was a great excitement to be lucky enough to be in the job when we have gone senior. It was a great honour to be there this year.”
With four teams operating at adult level (former Armagh footballer Aaron Kernan lines out for their 2nd XV), Dundalk are currently in rude health.
The Co. Louth club also has thriving minis and youth sections, and Steen feels it is essential that there is a direct link between the underage and senior set-ups.
“Well I think they go hand-in-hand. Obviously, if we can develop the youth structure and the mini structure there will be a constant flow of players coming through to keep the senior team going forward. Obviously we hope to be very competitive in the new Division 2C of the Ulster Bank League of 10 teams.
“It will be essential for the club to do that, and to make sure that we don’t take our eye off the ball with the youths and minis. They are the lifeblood of any club,” he added.