Dear members,

Welcome to the new rugby season 2024/25.           

It is a great honour for me to represent Enniscorthy Rugby Club as president.  My time as a player could not be defined by the success on the field that we are used to seeing now, but in my time we had the spirit and dedication that has sustained the club since its foundation. The last few years have been the most successful in the 112 year history of our club. Who could have foreseen in the 1970s the development of minis, youth’s and women’s  rugby over recent years. There is a clear pathway now for children from as young as 6 years of age to go on to successful careers playing rugby for our senior women’s and men’s teams. 

The spirit and dedication of Enniscorthy Rugby Club that I mentioned, is exemplified today by players, coaches and volunteers at every level of the club giving of their best. They do this for the love of the game and the enjoyment and camaraderie that comes through working as a team. They deserve our support on match days, both home and away. We are known for our travelling support following the senior team around the island, let us also be known for our sportsmanship, respect for the spirit of  fair play, and respect for players and referees that rugby is known for.

The diversity of the club requires careful management by Annette Sorraine , our Chairperson. She is ably assisted by Ted Creed, our new secretary, having taken over from Rory Fanning who for  many years of skillful administration has left the club in such a sound place, and Andrew Kelly, Treasurer and senior team manager who I am delighted to see back at the top table. The Directors of Rugby, senior, women’s, youths and minis are front and centre of a huge contingent of volunteers that are seen week in week out coaching and preparing teams. They need not just our gratitude and support but also our best efforts to help recruit more members and parents of players to volunteer to ease the burden on the few. Communication in a club this size to all its members is fundamental to a sense of inclusion for all, in order to achieve this there will be just one app used this season, ClubZap. I would encourage all members to download the app and stay fully informed on club news and developments throughout the year.

Colin Cahill has taken over the role that Rob Ryan has held for many years running the bar and clubhouse. I wish him good luck and I know he will welcome members and visitors alike to our Enniscorthy Rugby hospitality.

I want to acknowledge the sponsors who fuel the club. Please read the list in the booklet and take note of the hoardings around the pitch, and  every effort should be made by our members to recognise and support our sponsors with their custom. What goes around , comes around.

I conclude by wishing all players that take the field in our colours, and provincial and national colours, the best of good fortune for the coming season, stay fit and ENJOY it. 

Yours in sport,