Safegaurding at Ashbourne RFC
Ashbourne RFC is committed to providing a safe environment for all our underage children. With this in mind we would like to draw your attention to the IRFU Child Safegaurding Statement and one we have adopted and support. We have also adopted the IRFU Policy which has a link below
IRFU Child Safeguarding Statement
The IRFU is committed to the enjoyment of rugby by young people. It values and encourages the participation of parents, coaches and volunteers in rugby for participants under 18-years of age. The policy of the IRFU regarding safeguarding children is to respect the dignity and rights of Age Grade Players.
The IRFU will strive throughout its organisation and spheres of influence to promote, create and maintain safe environments for Age Grade Players. It will endeavour to maintain the key values of Respect, Inclusivity, Integrity, Excellence and Fun.
A detailed safeguarding policy can be found below and the Sports Councils’ Code of Ethics should be used where the IRFU has not published specific guidelines, in particular with regard to the principles to safeguard children from harm, outlined in part B of the full version of the statement.
Following a risk assessment for any potential harm to a child while involved in rugby we have identified areas of risk and the list of procedures to be put in place to manage these risks. These risks were categorised under the following headings Recruitment, Club and Coaching Practices, Reporting, Complaints, Facilities and Communication.
Part C (pages 3-6) in the detailed CSS, indicates the areas of potential risk of harm, the likelihood of the risk occurring, and gives the required policy, guidance or documents required to alleviate these risks. Our child safeguarding statement has been developed in line with requirements under the Children First Act 2015 and in Northern Ireland, the Club Framework for Safeguarding Standards.
In addition to the procedures listed in our risk assessment, the following procedures are in place as part of the IRFU Safeguarding Policy and support our intention to safeguard children:
- Procedure for the safe recruitment and selection of workers and volunteers to work with children.
- Procedure for provision of and access to child safeguarding training and information, including the identification of the occurrence of harm.
- Procedure for the reporting of child protection and welfare concerns to Tusla (Ireland) and Gateway (Northern Ireland) through the National Safeguarding Officer and Mandated Person within IRFU: Anne Marie Hughes (contact below). The National Safeguarding Officer holds position of Relevant Person as per Children First Act.
- Procedure for the management of allegation of abuse or misconduct against workers/volunteers of a child availing of our service and can be found in the case management policy.
- Procedure for appointing a relevant person for the purposes of the implementation of this Child Safeguarding Statement.
- Procedures to minimise risk of harm of a child have been put in place and are available in the IRFU Safeguarding Policy
All procedures listed are available on this website. The IRFU expects those involved within club age-grade rugby to adopt and supervise the implementation of these safeguarding principles and standards. The IRFU recognises that implementation is an ongoing process. It is committed to the implementation of this Child Safeguarding Statement and accompanying safeguarding policy to keep children involved in rugby safe from harm.
This Child Safeguarding Statement will be reviewed in March 2021, or as soon as practicable after there has been a material change in any matter to which the statement refers.
For queries please contact Anne Marie Hughes
Download the full version of the IRFU Child Safeguarding Statement here
McGowan Cup Added to the Season Haul
Ashbourne Take the Spoils in local Derby, and the McGowan Cup
A trip up the road to Boyne RFC was a game that both sides were looking forward. Local derbies are always relished and this was one Ashbourne had some trepidation about as Boyne have discovered some good league form off late. But Ashbourne won out well on the day with a comprehensive 35 points to 8 points win and in turn also picked up the NE Area McGowan Cup for their troubles, the second piece of silver this season so far.
Played in good weather and on a soft pitch, from the off the game was played at a high tempo with Ashbourne playing well from the kick off. Mahon was filling in the unusual position of prop but it did not weaken a dominant scrum. The backrow of McKeon, Wall and Deevy were working hard and Rooney in the center was putting in big hits. And it was Rooney who got Ashbourne going with a try. From a lineout in the Boyne 22, McCaghy found McKeon and playing a penalty advantage he broke forward and set up a ruck. Bass recycled the ball to Crotty and on to Rooney who was tackled. Wall picked and passed to Deevy who was stopped he popped the ball to Rooney who broke a few tackles to score. Crotty converted and Ashbourne took a 7 to nil lead.
Boyne tried to get their game going but Ashbourne were resolute and firm in all aspects. Boyne did get a penalty after 20 minutes but found it hard to make headway and they were caught out when they broke the golden rule in sport and never turn you back on the ball. Ashbourne had work their way into the Boyne 22 and when they were award a penalty the Boyne turned to form up on their line an din the meantime Deevy tapped and got in for a score. With Crotty’s conversion Ashbourne lead by 14 points to 3.
Ashbourne were scoring again 5 minutes later when O’Brien was put into space in his own half by McKeon and cut through the Boyne line to score from 55 meters out, which Crotty duly converted. Boyne did score next when the worked the ball into the Ashbourne 22 and outflanked the defense to score and unconverted try in the left corner. At halftime it was 21 points to 8 score line in favour of Ashbourne. There was still work to be done. The first score in the second half would determine the game.
Boyne came at Ashbourne with all they had got and it was hard work to keep them at bay. The Ashbourne defense has been strong all season and they were up to the task. Behan and Wall were introduced in the front row and Boyne was struggling in the set piece now. In the 59th minute Ashbourne reaped the benefit when Deevy notch up his second try when Ashbourne pushed over from a 5-meter scrum. The 4th try secured Ashbourne the McGowan Cup as they just needed a point to take the cup.
Ashbourne were dominant at this point and the game was won. Ashbourne added a 5th try when Deevy broke the cover and put Rooney in for his second try. Crotty converted to give himself a 100% record from the kicking tee.
Ashbourne still lead the division by 3 points as they head into a down week, with 2 rounds left. The next league match is at home to Wicklow on the 3rd of March.
Summary of scores:
Tries: Mark Rooney x 2; Simon Deevy x 2; Jack O’Brien x 1; 5 conversions to Donal Crotty
Team 1-15
Ciaran Roche, James McCaghy; Jeff Mahon; Conor Hurley; Joey Szpara; Jake Wall; Sean McKeon (Capt); Simon Deevy; Shane Bass; Donal Crotty; Colm Craigie; Mark Rooney; Jack O’Brien; Casey Dunne; Dermot Colreavy;
Bench: Brendan Meehan; Alan Wall; Mark Behan; Conor McNally; Kelan Toolan
All Ireland Junior Cup Winners Again
ASHBOURNE 18 KILFEACLE & DISTRICT 9
Portlaoise RFC
Ashbourne successfully defended their Ulster Bank All-Ireland Junior Cup crown with a deserved 18-9 win over first-time finalists Kilfeacle & District this afternoon. This keeps the cup in Leinster now since Crosshaven won it in 2011, Ashbourne is the second team to do the double, which Tullamore did 2012 and 2013.
The venue was Portlaoise RFC and the afternoon was wet and dreary and the game played on a very heavy pitch, but sides raised their game to entertain a large crowd that had arrived in good voice. Ashbourne would have started favourites but Tipperary challengers Kilfeacle were bidding to become the first Munster winners of the cup since 2011, and chose to play with strong wind behind them in te first half. They got off to an encouraging start with out-half Jamie Heuston nailing a 10th minute penalty from straight in front of the posts after a period of sustained pressure with the Kilfeacle backrow causing havoc. Ashbourne knew that they would be under pressure from early on but their defense has been excellent all season and it stood to them again.
After 10 minutes Ashbourne injury to center Adam Martin open the way for Fingal man Mark Rooney to come into the center and any fears that this would weaken the side were eased with shuddering tackle that knocked his opposite number backwards. That was the tone for the game with Deevy, Hurley, Wall and McKeon all tackling with ferocity.
But wind-backed Kilfeacle needed to put more scores on the board given the conditions but they did not use the wind to any measure and played into Ashbourne’s hands by taking on the Leinster League leaders in a physical contest. But Ashbourne struck with an unconverted try on the stroke of half-time. Full-back Stephen O’Neill scored in the right corner with Donal Crotty, Mark Rooney and Casey Dunne all involved in the build-up.
Out-half Crotty went on to be Ashbourne’s match winner with a talismanic second half performance. He took over kicking duties on the day from Gavin Kennedy, who was playing with an injury, and in the second half he knocked over two penalties, sandwiching a second effort from Kilfeacles Heuston, soon after the resumption. That gave the Leinster men an 11-6 lead to take into the final quarter, as the rain descended.
But Kilfeacle were not done and an excellent 64th-minute strike from Heuston set up a grandstand finish, though, at 11-9. But Ashbourne has shown all season that the last quarter is when they really come into their own. Szpara came in as well offering a powerful set of fresh legs, as well as Roche in a prop.
With 15 minutes left Ashbourne struck to decisively to keep the trophy in Ashbourne. Deevy was the instigator and when he was held up a few metres out before Ashbourne retained and recycled possession in impressive fashion and swung it out for Crotty to cross the line and then add the extras himself.
Jeff ‘Legend’ Mahon and matt Connolly were introduced to keep Kilfeacle at bay as they threw everything at Ashbourne but the champions held out to win by a score of 18 to 9.
Scorers for Ashbourne
Tries: Stephen O’Neill, Donal Crotty
Con: Donal Crotty
Pens: Donal Crotty (2)
Team: Alan Wall, James McCaghy, Frank Keegan, Sean Kent, Conor Hurley, Simon Deevy, Sean McKeon, Jake Wall, Gavin Kennedy (Capt), Donal Crotty, Colm Craigie, Adam Martin, Jack O’Brien, Casey Dunne, Stephen O’Neill
Subs: Brendan Meehan, Ciaran Roche, Jeff Mahon, Joey Szpara, Mark Rooney, Shane Bass, Matt Connolly
Membership Form 2018/2019 Season
See below the membership form this season.
Please complete and supply to the names listed.
Ashbourne U6/U7's at the Aviva ... signs of things to come!
U6 / U7 Lansdowne Blitz
Ashbourne RFC U6/U7 teams travelled to the home of rugby in Leinster to play against Lansdowne RFC U6/U7 in a combined blitz between the two clubs on Sunday 04/12/16, in the shadows of the Aviva Stadium.
Ashbourne fielded four teams, with over 30 players travelling for a 9.15am start in bitterly cold conditions on their all-weather pitch and despite losing some of our players to the dreaded winter bug that’s about. Some really exciting play was observed and cheered on by an ever fervent group of parents from the side-lines. The games were all tightly fought battles with some wonderful individual moves and tries by both sides.
The day ended up in a draw and both teams repaired off to the clubhouse for much needed warming up and breakfasts of champions! An especial thanks to all the parents who braved the conditions and travelled the distance in what was a truly wonderful and enjoyable morning of rugby.
We look forward to travelling to the AVIVA in the years ahead to cheer on some of these young stars when they are playing for province or country, as some of them surely will.
Training resumes this coming Saturday (10th of December) at 1.30 pm with a reminder that the Senior Team is playing in the All-Ireland Junior Cup Semi-Final at 2.30 pm and SANTA is coming to the club at 3pm.
Annual Business Networking Lunch
Ashbourne RFC Announce Details of the Annual Business Networking Lunch
After the success of the event last the club is delight to announce details of this years event which are detailed in the attachment
So date for the diary
On the 10th February, 2017 Ashbourne Meath and Fingal Business Networking Lunch at Kettles Country Hotel
Ashbourne Advance to 2nd Round of All Ireland Junior Cup
Ashbourne Advance to the 2nd round of the Ulster Bank All Ireland Junior cup
Ashbourne ran out comfortable winners by a score of 28 points to 10 under the shadow of Croagh Patrick on in Westport on Saturday. In fact it was a bit of déjà vu as this this last year Ashbourne went to the same venue, against the same opposition, on the same weekend, with the same referee, the same total points scored and the only difference was the score line (9 -29). In advance to the second round the similarities end as Ashbourne have drawn a home tie against Munster side Bandon on the 12th of November. Halloween came early – spooky!
This is the 3rd win on the bounce and certainly re-enforces the fact that Ashbourne start the season slowly. But in this game they were quick out of the blocks and were seven points to the good after 2 minutes. Martin kicked off for Ashbourne and went deep. Westport tried to work the ball out and when they put in through the hands in their own 22 Spooner’s pressure caused the ball to be dropped and he hacked it on. Jake Wall gathered and set up the ruck. Kennedy recycled to Keegan who was stopped and Kennedy recycled again to Spooner who put Connolly through to round the backline and score near the post. Kennedy added the 2 points.
Westport settled down and start to take the ball on through their big pack but matters were not helped when their 8 was sent to the bin for a bit of over exuberance at the tackle. Ashbourne made little use of this advantage as the home side dug deep. Westport showed good touches while Ashbourne through Martin, Connolly, O’Brien and Spooner moved the ball well. The pack held their own with Deevy playing his usually game but Wall and Kent were more than capable of making major contributions. But all was even-steven throughout the half. On the stroke of halftime Westport missed a penalty, which was their best chance of the half and we went into the break with Ashbourne 7 nil ahead.
The second half stated the same way with an Ashbourne try within 5 minutes. From a line out on Westport 10 meter line on the left Norton found Hurley and Kennedy set the backline in motion with a quick long pass to Martin. He found Spooner and passed on to Deevy on his right shoulder. He made his way deep into the 22 and when stopped Kennedy was on hand to receive a pop pass from Deevy and he put Martin into space. He was stopped short of the line with O’Brien rucking over him. Wall picked and drove over the line for the try. Kennedy added the conversion and Ashbourne were a bit more comfortable at 14 point to nil ahead.
Within 10 minutes Des Spooner added the third try. In fairness all the game was being played in the Westport half. Connolly, Spooner, Kennedy and Wall were all involved in the build up and finally pass out left to Spooner to score was the result of constant pressure. Kennedy made it 3 out 3 with the conversion. Ashbourne started unloading the bench with McCaghy and Keith Kennedy coming on for Behan and Norton while Wall made way for Mahon.
The fourth try arrived soon after. Westport had a line out in their 22 but Hurley got up to disrupted the ball as it went back on their side. As they attempted to kick clear McCaghy and Keith Kennedy combined to deflect the ball back to Deevy who drove, spun and weaved his way over the line. Captain Gavin Kennedy made a 100% day from the boot with the conversion and Ashbourne led 28 points to nil.
Ashbourne introduced Martin Gallagher and Paul O’Neill, both getting their first run out with 1st team and in fairness to home side they never gave up. They were rewarded with two late consolation tries but the game was well and truly over as a contest. The final score was a win to Ashbourne by 28 points to 10 and now move onto the 2nd round on the 12th of November against Bandon.
Team: Adam Sherrard, Stephen O’Neill, Jack O’Brien, Des Spooner, Matt Connolly, Adam Martin, Gavin Kennedy (Capt.) Simon Deevy, Jake Wall, Sean Kent, Conor Hurley, Ciaran Roche, Mark Behan, Dan Norton, Frank Keegan
Subs: James McCaghy, Keith Kennedy, Jeff Mahon, Martin Gallagher, and Paul O’Neill
Scorers: Tries – Matt Connolly x 1, Jake Wall x 1, Des Spooner, Simon Deevy x 1
Conversions: Gavin Kennedy X 3
Under 12's Visit Old Belvedere
Ashbourne RFC U12 followed the lead shown by the senior 1st and 2nd teams at the weekend with great performances away from home. The U12s travelled to Old Belvedere on Sunday morning to play 4 games. The squad was back to full strength and won 2 games ,drew one and lost one playing some great passing and running rugby and all the lads tackling hard.
The Ash Squad who played on Sunday was Harry Matthews ,George Heather, Rory O’Driscoll, Leon Mahon, Sean Lambe, Patrick Moran, Eoin McDermott, Andrew Goulding, Eoghan Gallagher, Danny Holmes, Danny Dillon, Troy Mahon, Ben Braniff, Jack Rees, Taylor Hand, Fionan Hogan, Calum Creaven, Johnny Cahalan and Charlie Carberry, Niall O’Sullivan Robert McLaughlin, Darragh Monahan, Harry Gormley ,Michael McIvor ,Enda O’Brien and Robert O’Farrell.
The squad is pictured except for Patrick Moran and Niall O'Sullivan who, after playing great games, dashed off to Navan to watch the “Mores” qualify for the Meath SFC Final (if you look closely at the picture you can see them in the background). Next up are games against Skerries at home on Sunday,in the meantime training on Wednesday evening at 7pm.All newcomers welcome.