Clonmel R.F.C. News and Events

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Clonmel's out-half, Niamh Briggs, and No. 8, Kate O'Loughlin were capped in the opening match of the six nations against Italy on Friday, 1st February, in St. Mary's College, Dublin.

All the scoring took place in a frenzied 15 minutes in the second half and was enough to secure victory for the home team who had been frustrated by a tough Italian defence in the opening period of the game. The comfortable lead allowed Ireland coach John O'Sullivan to clear his bench with five new players being capped. With a long, tough tournament ahead of them, getting that first international experience is all important. We wish the two Clonmel RFC girls the best of luck against France next weekend.

On Friday 25th January the clubhouse hosted a very special occasion when our Development Plan 2008 – 2012 was launched. An invited audience of over 100 people which included Garrett Fitzgerald, CEO, Munster Rugby, Gerry O’Loughlin, Munster President, T.D.’s Dr. Martin Mansergh, Mattie McGrath and Tom Hayes listened as Finance & Development Chairman, J.J. Killian, outlined what the club had achieved under the previous five-year development plan and indicated what the club intended to achieve during the 2008 – 2012 plan.

The main areas of development will involve the construction of a 400-seater Spectator Stand, the acquisition of additional land and the refurbishment of the clubhouse itself. J.J. thanked all those who had been such great friends and supporters of the club and asked for their continued support going forward. While the club is now in very good shape the Finance & Development Committee have no intention of resting on their laurels and are determined to make Clonmel RFC one of the finest rugby clubs in the country.

As part of its fundraising strategy to finance the 2008 – 2012 Development Plan the club has set up a “100 Club”. We are seeking 100 people to join this unique group by donating €1000 each to support our development. This amount can be paid in one payment, in two payments over two years or by Standing Order over 24 months.

There is huge interest in this concept and since Friday night last 35 people have already joined. All of the 100 Club members will be recorded on a plaque to be attached to the new stand. They will also:

Go into a draw from which the winner will get two tickets to any home 6 Nations match of their choice each season for the next five seasons. Some prize! You have a 100-1 chance of winning! Get in now! If you haven’t received a brochure on this, contact Debbie at the club office at + 353 52 25723 or at office@clonmelrfc.com
Each 100 Club member will also receive a special edition 100 Club tie / scarf, will get a club membership card which will allow them free entry to all home games between 208 – 2012
There will be a pre-match function for the 100 Club members before the first home game of each season 2008 – 2012

WHEN THIS CLUB IS CLOSED – IT’S CLOSED – MAKE SURE YOU’RE IN THERE! CONTACT ANY MEMBER OF THE F & D COMMITTEE!

Recently we have sent out renewal forms to all of our Annual Lotto Subscribers. This draw continues to be the backbone of fundraising within the club and your continued support is very much appreciated. We therefore ask you to return all forms as soon as possible. If you have not received an annual lotto form and would like to subscribe to our loot, please contact us on 052 25723. The 2008 draw commences 04/01/2008.

Flancare, who have been proud sponsors since 2001, are to extend their support of the club to 2010. Speaking at the club's Annual Dinner, Flancare chairman, Michael Woodlock, said the company was pleased to be associated with the club and the good work it is doing locally and would be happy to continue that support. He congratulated the club on a great season and wished it well for the coming years.

To further enhance our facilities, we will soon have the benefit of an electronic scoreboard. The scoreboard is being sponsored by our longtime friends and solid supporters of the club, Lonergans Bar & Off- Licence. We are really grateful to both Trevor and Bess – their support and generosity are very much appreciated by all in the club. The scoreboard will be located in the top left corner of Pitch No. 1

It is a measure of how far Womens Rugby has come in Clonmel, as both Jean Lonergan and Kate O'Loughlin are again included in the Irish Squad named for the upcoming Six Nations campaign. Jean of course is an international veteran at this stage while Kate, having made her mark with Munster, is setting out on her career. Niamh Briggs will feel unfortunate that she was not included on this occasion, but the dynamic No. 10 will definitely take the stage before too long. Congratulations to both Jean and Kate and to the whole Clonmel Womens team who remain unbeaten this season and are a credit to the club.

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...... more

The Munster Branch is critically short of referees at present. It is also important for us to produce referees as it has an impact on our “Clubs of Ireland” funding. The next referees course will be on 10 th September in Mallow. If you are no longer playing rugby, please give this some consideration. We have a few candidates but need more. If you are interested, please contact J.J. Killian.