The sun was shining on Claremont Road on Sunday, the 8th of September, marking the start of the Lansdowne mini and youth season. With bouncy castles, enthusiastic coaches, and eager kids, the Lansdowne machine was up and running again. It was great to see so many boys and girls having fun, and we are blessed to have so many wonderful volunteers and members helping out under the guidance of Brian Moran. Thank you to Brian and his team.
A week later, it was drizzling in Claremont, but spirits were no less dampened as training started in earnest. A spirited under-15s friendly played at Lansdowne Road against a combined Terenure and Mary’s side ended with honours shared at 12 each, making rugby the winner.
Speaking of Lansdowne Road, the U20 squad was also put through their paces this past week in their first match, a friendly against a lively Clontarf side on Saturday, the 14th. It consisted of three 25-minute sessions, allowing coaches and management to give everyone a run and see what they had to offer. This will be repeated on Friday, the 20th, at Lansdowne Road against Belvedere, giving us another chance to see the under-20s in action.
Women’s and junior rugby teams are training weekly on Mondays and Wednesdays in preparation for their seasons, which start in the next few weeks. Numbers and fitness levels are progressing well.
For the senior squad, this is a big week as the AIL kicks off on Saturday the 21st, in Garryowen, and the J1s play on Sunday against Terenure in the Metro League at Lansdowne Road.
The first team has overcome the disappointment of a narrow 19-17 defeat in a hard-fought Leinster Senior Cup final battle against Clontarf in Donnybrook on Saturday, the 7th. This was their fourth game (Match report - Old Wesley, St. Mary's and Terenure), and the team is gelling well, with both the new coaching staff and new players blending into the Lansdowne way. It’s a squad we all feel very confident and proud of, capable of lifting silverware at both the Senior and J1 levels this year.
We wish the lads in Garryowen on Saturday the very best of luck, and the same for the J1s against Terenure on Sunday. It would be great to have your support at both games this coming weekend.
If you’d like to wish them the best of luck in person, why not drop down to the club on this evening at 8:30 PM for a pint and a chat with the players.
In other news, congratulations to Hugh McGauran, winner of the Lansdowne Presidents Golf trophy, and to the many other winners and players - read more here.
In respect to Claremont Road, it is great to see the pitch fully playable and the nets now up. We will be able to play adult rugby on our grounds for the first time in the coming weeks. The place looks fantastic with the new perimeter pathway and hockey sheds now in place. Together with our many partners, who are also making use of the facilities, it is truly a hive of activity with the Pilates Studio, Gym, Railway Union Hockey, Loreto Hockey and Kids Soccer, all enjoying the wonderful environment.
It’s great to have the season up and running, and I look forward to seeing you all at the club over the next few weeks, whether on the side-lines or in the clubhouse. Please save the date of Saturday, the 28th of September, for the 2nd AIL game against UCD at home. It is always a cracker of a game and a great fun lunch - a limited number of tables are available, so please book your places here.
Best Regards,
Conor Shaw
President 2024-25
