Happy 2023 to All!
As 2022 comes to an end the President and Executive would like to wish the members, young and old, female and male, supporters, sponsors and all in our community at Ashbourne Rugby Club, a thank you for the year just passing. But most importantly we wish you all good fortune and success in 2023.
Celebrate the occasion but be safe! We look forward to a positive 2023! Enjoy
Ashbourne u14's brave strong head winds to finish 2022 on a highpoint at Seapoint Rugby Club
Following the big freeze last week, Ashbourne made the trip to Seapoint as part of the Leinster Youth/Schools Division 1 league a week later than originally scheduled.
The temperature might have been above freezing, but with the strong coastal wind the real feel was well into minus figures.
Seapoint chose to play into the wind in the first half and Ashbourne took full advantage of this from kick off and got 3 converted tries. Seapoint battled back though and made it 10 – 21 at half time with the benefit of the wind to look forward to in the second half.
It didn’t take Seapoint long to get another try, which they converted and move to within 4 points of Ashbourne. But Ashbourne changed their tactics to keep the ball in close quarters and use a run approach rather than move it wide in the wind. This paid off and with 2-line breaks, Ashbourne put 12 more unanswered points on the scoreboard and finished out the game 33 – 17.
Hats off to all 20 players that played, each one of them stepped up. Jack Brennan led by example as team’s captain and was responsible for a couple of tries; Rob Moran showed great skill to navigate the ball over for 4 out of 5 of conversions, a feat any 10 from the provinces would be proud of in that grueling wind.
Mikey Flynn used his initiative to get over the line and Jack White also got over for 2 tries. Lewis Bermingham had a tough job as Seapoint kept testing him with many kicks behind the defensive line in the second half.
All the forwards rucked brilliantly including Dylan Pentony, Donnacha Halpenny, Ronan Adams, Evan Finglas and James Murray.
Kean Moran and Griffin Bermingham were brilliant in carrying the ball forward. Tacklers of the match were Jeff Mahon, Cillian Ennis and Mikey Heavey.
Kyle Hetherton, Callum Kelly, Johnnie O’Connell, Jack McLaughlin and Finn Moore all played really well to make significant contribution both in attack and defense.
The lads will take a deserved 2 week break for Christmas before resuming in the league in early January, but brilliant for all involved to finish on a high.
A big thanks to Seapoint Rugby Club for their hospitality of lovely sandwiches and treats and we wish you the best for the rest of the season.
Wilson Prominent in Gonzaga Colleges Win in the Senior League Final
Ashbourne Rugby Club member Paul Wilson from the Ashbourne 2006 squad was on the Gonzaga Senior team that won the Senior League today. The number 8 was very prominent throughout the game.
The score was GONZAGA COLLEGE 35 NEWBRIDGE COLLEGE 27.
Paul was also also a member of the Meath minor team this summer.
Well done Paul and congratulations
https://www.leinsterrugby.ie/gonzaga-castleknock-2022-league-finals/
Well done Luke and Matthew!
In the Leinster Junior Schools league final today Castleknock College ran out winners over Gonzaga Energia Park in Donnybrook, winning by 15 points to 12.
Congratulations
to Ashbourne Rugby Club U16 squad members Luke Hanley and Matthew Brennan who helped their school Castleknock College win the Leinster Junior Schools League.
Luke scored the all important try which was expertly converted by Matthew from the touch line. When done lads. Matthew also kicked final penalty. Luke is from Skryne and Matthew from Rolestown so both ends of the Ashbourne Rugby club catchment area.
Well done
Declan Mahon Memorial Cycle
Ashbourne Rugby Club are delighted to announce they raised a massive €30,559 for Irish Cancer Society. Cyclists cycled 200k visiting rugby clubs of the North East of Leinster in memory of our dear friend Declan Mahon.The cheque was presented to the ICS by our Chairman of The Declan Mahon Memorial Cycle Niall Murray & Chairman of Ashbourne Rugby Club Rod Cosgrave.
Ashbourne Rugby Club has raised nearly €60k for charities that are close to all our hearts. This could not have been done without YOU & our SPONSORS. The greatness of a community is most accurately measured by the compassionate actions of its members.
Big thanks to the Mahon Family, Niall & Mary Murray & Co & to our cyclists for making this happen!!!
Womens Leinster League this Sunday the 11th of December 2022
Last league game before Christmas. Come down and give them your support v Swords Women’s Rugby
Should be a great game
Event Upcoming
See below details on an event being promoted by Alex Soroka of Leinster Rugby and a friend of ours
Well worthy of your support!
Congratulations!
Congratulations to our U16s players who represented Ashbourne Rugby Club with distinction playing for the North East.
Well done to Caolan Duffy (2 tries), Fabian Tahiraj (1 try), Isaac Soden and Alex Fallon.
Keep it going guys and the future for Ashbourne RFC looks bright!
Christmas Blitz For our Mini's
Last but most important for this weekend The Mini's Santa Blitz is on, on Sunday and we welcome
Have a great Morning