The formula of a Black Tie Dinner has been tried successfully in other clubs throughout the country and Clonmel RFC decided to have a go at it this year. It is basically a fundraiser which involves a guest speaker(s), a good dinner and an auction.

The sub-committee of J.J. Killian, Ian Cooke , Tom Fennessy, Joe Flynn, Bob Campion, Bill O'Gorman and Ricky Fitzgerald put in a lot of groundwork to ensure a really successful night at the new Clonmel Park Hotel. Joe Flynn had lined up guest speakers Moss Keane and Willie Duggan and they proved to be a massive hit with the 180-strong attendance. Tom Fennessy's eloquent introduction of Moss was an event in itself and added to the general bonhomie of the evening.

The auction proved much more successful than expected and the night was financially really worthwhile. The club was delighted with the widespread support it received from both the Clonmel business community and its many friends. The mixture of current and former players and Life Members added to a night of story-telling and much merriment. A lot of the players were almost unrecognisable in their cleaned-up / tuxedo state!

The occasion reflected very well on the club and the feedback afterwards was full of praise for what the club is trying to achieve and the direction it's taking. We are very grateful for the obvious groundswell of goodwill towards us in the general area. Running a rugby club has now become an expensive exercise and fundraising is a necessary part of that. Our thanks is due to the sub-committee involved who both exposed the club in the best possible light while also adding to the coffers.