The rugby season kicked off once again for both Clondalkin and Garda with the Paul “Caff” Caffrey memorial match, which was held Westmanstown on Saturday 16th August with friendly between the sides. Paul was a valued and popular member of both Clondalkin Rugby Club and an Garda Siochana and his untimely passing in 2006 is commemorated on an annual basis with a match between these teams.
Leinster League Division 1A side Clondalkin have a challenging programme this year in the provinces top division with the addition of the All-Ireland Junior Cup to play for, while Garda Rugby are looking to regroup after a disappointing season which saw them slip down into Division 2A. At this stage of the calendar, getting some game time under the belt after the summer training is the most important factor. As always, the match was played in the best of spirits with rolling substitutes on both sides ensuring that most members of both panels got an opportunity to impress. Clondalkin’s John Bagnell and new forwards coach Alex Mihajlovic would have been happy with their charges as the superiour Clondalkin fitness was demonstrated from the off and the scores came thick and fast for the Dublin 22 men. A late Garda rally in the second half saw them get over the try line but at the end Clondalkin won out comfortable 63-10 winners.
As the Leinster Junior Club of the Year, Clondalkin have a busy season ahead, fielding 4 senior men’s teams, a women’s team and a full youth and mini rugby set-up. The Club is always on the look out for new players and a warm welcome is guaranteed, whether you have played rugby previously or would just like to try it out. Anybody interested in joining the Club can check out the Club website or email info@clondalkinrugby.com for more details.
