By Barry Fitzgerald
Carrigaline RFC was founded in September 1994 at the instigation of Mr. Seamus Corkery. Seamus had played with various clubs in Cork over many years and was involved in the foundation of Douglas RFC and Kinsale RFC. Seamus reared his family in Carrigaline and decided that it was time for Carrigaline to have its own rugby club. He called a public meeting held at the Community Centre in September 1994, and out of that meeting, a committee was formed, and the Club became active in the following weeks.
When the Club started, it did not have any grounds or training. Cork County Council offered the Club a field at Kilnagleary, where the Medical Centre now stands. The Club used that pitch for training for a number of years.
The first match played by Carrigaline RFC was by an adult team in 1995. A squad of 17 played an away match to Crosshaven RFC. The squad consisted of two fathers and sons, Willie and Ronan Hogan, and Denis and Brian Lynch. Brian McSweeney was the team Captain. The team held its own in the first half, but Crosshaven RFC ran out of winners in the end. By the end of the first season, the Club had recruited a squad of 30 adult players trained under the guidance of Willie Horgan.
Cork County Council later gave notice to the Club that the field we had called home was needed for development (though it did not do so for several years after that), and the Club had to move on. Grounds were secured from George Kingston at Ballyorban, where a pitch and training area were developed. Over these years, the adult team has continued to grow and develop. We went on to compete in the Junior 3 league and claimed our first trophy in 2005, winning the McCarthy Cup at Musgrave Park against Kanturk RFC. That team was coached by the late Eddie McGarry. The standard of adult rugby continued to improve under various coaches. These passionate and committed coaches included the late Eddie McGarry, Paul MacDonald (The Bonk), Kieran Ronan (Rooster), and James Kiernan ('Shift it'). The 2012/13 season was very successful for our adult team.
That season, under the guidance of coach James Kiernan, we claimed three pieces of silverware, including a J2 League and Cup double, while also winning the Kelly Cup for a third year in a row. The victorious team was skippered by Kieran Kelleher. Also, in that season, we just missed out on winning the Munster Cup to Thomond RFC at their pitch in Moyross. Behind this successful team was a hard-working club committee led by Billy Sullivan (President), Brendan Kelly (Chairman), and Billy Garrett (Hon. Secretary).
At that time, there was a resurgence in the underage section during the presidency of Mr. Denis Kiely, which coincided with Munster winning its first Heineken Cup in 2006. A new cohort of coaches and parents became involved in the Club. The Club had up to 150 mini-rugby players (boys and girls between the ages of 6 and 11) training every weekend and two youth teams for Under 14 and 16 age grade. In 2011, Carrigaline RFC established girls' youth teams. Under the coaching guidance of the inspirational Ger Healy, our under-18s girls' team played in the Munster Sevens Championship and won this league three years in a row in 2012, 2013, and 2014. They have a great squad with many team and individual successes, including Jayne Pennefather and Aoife O'Sullivan, who both played for Munster U18s. Jayne also played for the Ireland U18 seven's teams. Also very worthy of mention is Enya Breen, who started her rugby career playing in the mini-rugby section of Carrigaline RFC. Enya Breen is now playing for the Ireland Senior team.
Despite the challenges, our Club has shown remarkable resilience. Following the passing of George Kingston, his family wished to take back the land for other uses. The Club ceased activity at Ballyorban and, unfortunately, has been without a permanent pitch since then. On the playing front, this also had a negative effect, with numbers across all age levels falling. Apart from the main pitch at Ballyorban, the Club had the benefit of land near Shannon Park, where Janeville now stands. This was generously provided by Mr. Stephen McCarthy of Astra Construction and proved successful in training our mini-rugby and youth teams. This location was very convenient for parents and children. In addition, the Club has, over the last 7–8 years, had the use of facilities for training at the now-closed Fernhill Golf Club (thanks to the support of former player Alan Bowes and his late father Michael), Musgrave Park and the Carrigaline Community School that we greatly appreciate.
Today, our Club is significantly smaller, with no adult or U20 team representation. However, our community spirit remains strong. For the current season, we have entered into a team amalgamation arrangement with Dolphin RFC at the U18.5s level and with Sunday's Well RFC at the U16s level. This is working out well, and it's keeping our teenage boys playing rugby. Our mini rugby (for boys and girls aged 5 to 11 years old) is going well, with training held every Saturday at the Carrigaline Community School pitch from 12:45 – 1:45 pm from September to the end of April. Currently, we don't have any girls' youth teams, which is something we're trying to address. Our committee is working tirelessly to build back up the Club, and next season, we hope to have a men's team playing at the J3 league level.
Meanwhile, our site development efforts are plowing on under the direction of a very committed, fully voluntary team made up of representatives from Carrigaline RFC and Carrigaline Athletics Club. The site development team has established a not-for-profit company (Carrigaline Rugby & Athletics Partnership CLG) with the sole goal of building our new state-of-the-art sports development in Kilnagleary, which, upon completion, will provide three rugby pitches, a full-size running track, and a clubhouse. This will be huge for our Club, for the first time giving us a permanent home to ensure rugby is played in Carrigaline for all to participate in and to support for years to come.
Over the last two years, we as a club have organised several successful fundraisers to help finance the development of the new grounds.
Last September, we launched a WinACampervan fundraiser. Tickets for the draw cost €25 for 1, €65 for three, or €100 for 5. The draw took place in the Corner Bar, Carrigaline, on the 29th of May. Paddy Cronin of the Corner House pulled the lucky winner from the tombola. Lorna Hughes was the supremely capable MC on the night, and Kim Ronayne was the videographer. Siobhán Rice was the independent observer who ensured everything was in order before the draw. The lucky winner of our Win A New Camper Van draw was Stewart Curtis of County Clare, who was phoned immediately after the draw.
We were also lucky to receive €492,555 worth of funding from the Sports Capital Grant.
As our pearl anniversary comes to a close, we enjoyed a successful and promising year. At the end of June, our U15 boys team coaches and parents travelled to Guidel via Rennes. We were invited to Guidel by Guidel Rugby Club due to the town's close link with Carrigaline. Members of the Carrigaline Twinning Association also travelled, and they helped make this a memorable event for all involved. The boys played a 15-aside match against Guidel and RFC and also competed in a 5-aside tag rugby beach festival. It was a memorable trip and a great way to celebrate our 30th anniversary.
We organised a dinner dance in the Carrigaline Court Hotel on the 7th of September. In attendance on the night were ex-players, past and present coaches and committee players, parents, guardians, and supporters of the Club. It was a great opportunity to look back on the years that have gone by and to hear everyone share their stories and memories.
On the night, the Club honoured Seamus Corkery who played a crucial role in founding the Club. The Club's first captain, Colm O'Rourke, paid tribute to his vision, determination, and hard work in establishing Carrigaline RFC. Colm presented to Seamus to acknowledge his legacy and thank him for all he has done for the Club. We were delighted that so many of Seamus' family could join him on the night of the celebration.
As we reflect on our journey over the past 30 years, we celebrate the friendships, camaraderie, and community spirit that have defined our club. While challenges remain, the passion for rugby in Carrigaline endures, driven by the commitment of our members and supporters. We are hopeful for a bright future as we rebuild and grow, keeping the spirit of teamwork and sportsmanship alive in our community. Together, we will face whatever comes next, united by our love for the game. Here’s to the next chapter of Carrigaline RFC!
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