MY CLUB: BANBRIDGE RFC
Banbridge RFC
Rifle Park
Arderys Lane
Banbridge
Co. Down
By DAIRE WALSH
WITH four wins from six games so far, Banbridge Rugby Football Club currently find themselves in second place in Division 2A of the Ulster Bank League.
This is the County Down outfit’s fourth consecutive season in the third-tier of the All-Ireland League, and as club President Alan Harvey reveals, the new home and away structure of Division 2A is working to their benefit at the moment.
“I think they’ve started the season reasonably well. I think, like everybody in the Ulster Bank League, we have a smallish squad and injuries is one of the things that you have week in, week out. it’s the first time we’ve played home and away fixtures,” Harvey remarks.
“With Banbridge, we are happy. The League structure suits us. To be honest with you, the Ulster Bank League for us, it fits the profile for our club, and we’re very open to it.
“We like to go to meet different clubs. We like to meet different people within rugby. We find that we get quite a bit of feedback when we go to see how other clubs operate, and discuss things with them.”
A long-standing member of Banbridge (who have three underage sides, as well as four adult teams), Harvey is in his second season as President. Partial to signing Queen songs at karaoke, previously served on a number of committees following the end of his lengthy playing career with the club.
“This is my second season as President of the club. Prior to that, I was involved in coaching at various levels. Mini-coaching, youth coaching as well over a number of years. (I also served) on various committees. Just general committees, and I did project management as well. Team management, and for a long time as a player. I finished playing around the age of 41.”
Represented
Banbridge were represented at the Rugby World Cup by vastly-experienced Ireland hooker Rory Best. Harvey said that seeing Best performing at the highest level helps to boost the profile of ‘Bann’, and he also acknowledged the success that Rory’s brother Simon and Tyrone Howe previously enjoyed after progressing to the provincial and international set-ups.
“It is (good for the club’s profile), and Rory’s father John is chairman of the club. His mother, Pat, is a ladies committee member as well. Simon is one of our first team coaches. I have known Tyrone (Howe) from a very young age, his mother and father too.
“We’re certainly very proud of Simon, Rory and even look at Ian Porter recently, he’s playing for Connacht at the minute. He’s a Banbridge lad as well. We certainly recognise the guys that have taken a step up to that sort of professional level,” he added.