CLUB SCENE
MY CLUB: ST MARY’S COLLEGE RFC
By DAIRE WALSH
YOUNG out-half Sean Kearns’ late try against Buccaneers recently secured a tenth straight victory for St Mary’s College, who head up a fascinating Ulster Bank League Division 1B promotion race.
However, although they are in an excellent position to secure an automatic return to the top flight, Club President Declan Fanning revealed that St Mary’s are not getting ahead of themselves – especially with Dublin University hot on their heels.
“Yeah, we’ve had a great season up to now. We’ve had a few bounces on the ball this year, which we didn’t last year, which always helps. Still, while we’re topping the league, we’re not counting any chickens at this stage,” admitted Fanning.
“They’re (Dublin University) the only side that beat us this year. They deserved to beat us on the night, and we know they’re a good side. We have them at home now (on April 1), that will be a difficult match. I actually just don’t think there’ll be any easy matches in the run-in, particularly with the way the league is formatted this year.”
Like a lot of clubs, the role of President in St Mary’s is a one-year post. Before assuming this particular role, Fanning had a number of different positions within the Templeogue club – and was also a club captain during his playing days.
“It’s pretty much, in Mary’s, a one year (term). Presidency is a one year gig. This is my first and my only year to do it. Both outside and inside the club, I would have done coaching, and I was involved in rugby administration for quite while.
“I was on executive committee doing various things. I served on committee, I served a long apprenticeship alright. When I finished playing in Mary’s, I did a year with Naas as player-coach, and I did two years with the Garda as player-coach.
“Then I came back to Mary’s, and I coached Under 20s for three seasons. I was club captain in the past. Many years ago. Back in the black and white days!”.
Indeed, Fanning’s son, Darragh (a Pro12 winner with Leinster in 2013/14), has followed in his footsteps in this regard. While Fanning acknowledged that his son is disappointed to have played just once for the province so far this season, his presence has greatly benefited Mary’s in the Ulster Bank League.
“It’s obviously very disappointing for him that he’s dropped down the pecking order in Leinster this season. He’s obviously very disappointed with that, but the plus side for us, I suppose, is that he’s played for us (Mary’s) and he does make a big difference to the side.
“He’s actually captaining the side because our captain has been injured for the last four matches. He’s had a very positive influence, and it’s good for him as well. You need to be playing matches, and he’s playing very competitive matches every week,” added Fanning.