by Hilary Clarke

New statement from the IRFU

The IRFU have just issued a statement in regards the 2019/2020 season. The Season is to conclude as of right now. There will be no relegation and no promotions. This is going to have a terrible impact on our J1’s no doubt, they worked super hard all year and were at the top of the table poised to go up to the division one. We as a committee have tried all avenues open to us, as of now there doesn’t seem to be any wiggle room. I have no doubt the lads will rally and come back fighting fit in September.

Our under 18’s will also miss out on playing a final in Irish Independent park and are all very disappointed, the IRFU has declared in their statement that any teams in a final will share the title. Its not much of a condolence but its better than nothing. It means our u18 are to share the Bowl title.

As a committee we would like to thank all the coaches of all ages who give up of their time to coach and organised games. Thanks especially to Claire who opens the cafe every Saturday and Sunday to keep us all warm with tea’s, coffee’s and hot chocolate. Thanks to all the parents who bring their youngsters up for training and drive them all over the country for matches, and supply sandwiches and snacks when needed. Its a pity the season had to end like this, I know a lot of our members and especially our players will be bitterly disappointed that the season ended with a sigh instead of a bang.

If anything changes I will update you all as soon as I can.

by Hilary Clarke

Club Closed

Following on from last weeks directive the club is closed and should not be used for social gathering by members, players and or parents of players of the club. The IRFU directed all rugby activities to cease and we took the step in line with the recommendations to close the club and cease all rugby activities. You are been asked to avoid gathering in groups for at least 2 weeks not for your health but for the health of others. It is a sacrifice we are all making.

Its important to note that the club is closed and if you injure yourself while climbing over a gate or a fence you are not covered by insurance. Can we ask all parents and coaches to reinforce this with our younger members. Stay away from each other and stay away from the club in particular.

Thank you for your cooperation at this difficult time and under these unusual circumstances.

by Hilary Clarke

Statement from the Munster Rugby Branch

The Irish Rugby Football Union, together with Munster, Connacht, Leinster and Ulster Rugby have announced the suspension of all Domestic Rugby activity from 6pm this evening (March 12) until March 29 inclusive, in response to the latest Government advice on the Coronavirus (Covid – 19) pandemic.

Future Domestic Rugby activity will be reviewed in line with government advice.

The Munster Rugby offices at Thomond Park and Irish Independent Park will be closed to the general public. Please direct any queries to info@munsterrugby.ie.

Training and Playing

All Rugby activities across clubs and schools, from minis to adult rugby, must now cease.

Impact on fixtures of note

We will work with clubs and schools to rearrange fixtures, such as the age-grade club and schools cup finals.

Clubhouse Operations

While rugby clubs may wish to continue to operate facilities such as bars and function rooms they must observe government restrictions in relation to the number of people that may attend indoor (no more than 100 people) and outdoor (no more than 500 people) events.

Professional Game

The current Guinness PRO14 season has been suspended in response to the evolving COVID-19 outbreak.

The PRO14 is an international league. Cross border travel is inevitable and that brings with it unique challenges. With governments in Italy and Ireland already putting in place clear directives and restrictions around public activities and travel, the decision to suspend the competition is appropriate. It is in the best interests of everyone that games are not played at this time. The suspension has been directed by the board of Celtic Rugby DAC and will be remain under constant review.

David Jordan, Tournament Director PRO14 Rugby, said: “We have made this decision with everyone’s welfare foremost in our minds. With an evolving situation in the five countries that take part in Guinness PRO14 it is important to make a clear decision that is in keeping with the advice of the various governments involved.”

Resumption of the 2019/20 season will now become a matter of constant review. To this point PRO14 Rugby has ensured that it has the latest information and guidance made available by the local and national authorities via our participating unions in the UK, Ireland, Italy and South Africa.

This will remain the case for the duration of the suspension. This is an unprecedented action for the tournament and as such no end date to the suspension can be provided at this time.

In keeping with our practice during the outbreak, PRO14 Rugby will provide updates on the suspension when more information is available.

Statement taken from Munster Rugby

In keeping with the Government recommendations and the directive from the Munster Branch all rugby activities in Old Christians will be suspended until the 29th of March, No Training, No matches. Apologies for any inconvenience caused we will reschedule fixtures as soon as we can and be back training when its safe to do so. Keep an eye on our social media for the latest news.

by Hilary Clarke

Munster Bowl Final

Our under 18.5’s are playing a final in Irish Independent park formally Musgrave Park. They will be playing against Crosshaven RFC.

Kick off is 11.30am Sunday Morning.

Go to mass Saturday night so you don’t miss what is expected to be a very exciting game. The boys are totally worth going to see.

Hon Old Christians.

Here’s hoping the weather holds up, the boys are all looking forward to playing in the hallowed ground, come cheer them on you will have plenty of time to make it to Dungarvan to see the J1’s hope to continue their on road success KO is 2pm

by Hilary Clarke

J1 first of two home games

On Sunday the J1’s return to playing in Rathcooney after a very successful league on the road. If you haven’t seen them play yet now is your chance bring your friends, your kids and your neighbours along to cheers on the boys at home.

You won’t be disappointed KO 2.30 pm. Lets bring the noise, the colour and the boys will put on a display. This Sunday 8th and the home game is Sunday the 29th mark your calender’s… Wear your Old Christians jerseys, bring your flags and your voices.

Hon Old Christians

by Hilary Clarke

J1 game off v Fethard

U18’s game v Fermoy off also

The decision has been made to call off the J1 game v Fethard for tomorrow the 16th Feb. It was due to be a home game it will now be rescheduled.

Thanks Denis… Ciara was bad enough but Denis didn’t even give us a chance to recover from her.

U18 were due to travel to Fermoy tomorrow morning that also off Fermoy pitches are also waterlogged.

The pitches are waterlogged and are closed all training will take place on Astro or in the Hall until we can reopen the pitches again. Thank you for you cooperation.

meanwhile in Rathcooney
by Dave Philpott

Munster’s next opponents train in Rathcooney

Munster take on the Southern Kings in in Musgrave Park on Friday @19.35 Eir/Premiersport and they used our All Weather Pitch to train today.

We hope to have more on this later, but in the meantime a couple of pics.

There is a bit of a difference between South Africa, (where it is currently Summer), and Rathcooney in February, but all seemed to go well.

An overview.
Phoning a friend.
Lineout practice.
Definitely a lot colder than it looks.
The Boss looks on.
The players signed a club jersey.
by Dave Philpott

Mini Rugby in New Zealand.

Mini rugby in New Zealand is called “Junior” Rugby.

“Ripper Rugby ” is “TAG”

and $ 80 NZ dollars is about 48 Euro.

Note Players are graded on weight

From Marist Albion R.F.C.

Play your rugby at Marist Albion in 2020

**ONLINE REGISTRATIONS FOR THE 2020 SEASON WILL OPEN EARLY NEXT YEAR**

ALL new and returning junior players are required to register for the 2020 season using the online registration process. For new junior players, these will be available here from 1 February, 2020. If you played for Marist Albion last season, you will receive an invitation to re-register via email by Monday 3rd February, please keep an eye on your inbox for this.

WHEN FILLING IN THIS FORM PLEASE ENSURE THE FOLLOWING:

That all of yours and your child’s details (especially your contact details) are filled in accurately;

That you choose the school that your child attends;

That you choose the age group that you would like your child to play in for the 2020 season (see table of guidelines below for age grades).

That you provide an accurate weight for your children to ensure correct grading.

If you are paying subs for more than one child in your family (see pricing below), please include the names of the children in the final section of the registration form. You will receive an email following submission to confirm you are registered. To complete your registration, payment of your 2020 subs must also be processed, online payment is easy and is available on completion of the online registration form.

2020 Junior Rugby Season – Grade by Age Table

Under 132007
Under 122008
Under 112009
Under 102010
Under 9 (Tackle OR Quickrip)2011
Under 8 (Tackle OR Quickrip)2012
Under 7 (Rippa Rugby)2013
Under 6 (Rippa Rugby)2014 or later

**REGISTRATIONS WILL CLOSE ON FRIDAY 6TH MARCH, 2020 **

​Once you have completed your online registration and payment, your next step will be one of the following:

  • All new players MUST attend one of our registration nights (see dates below) and provide us with proof of identity (a copy of a current passport or birth certificate is fine) and to get weighed in. This is also a good opportunity to meet the committee and ask them any questions you may have about the upcoming season.
  • U6 & U7 players – will be able to collect their jerseys from their team managers at their first practise, you can expect to hear from your 2020 management team shortly after registrations close.
  • U8 and above will be required to attend an official Weigh In night at the clubrooms (date to be confirmed). This season jerseys will be distributed directly to team management who will issue jerseys at preseason trainings.

If you are unable to complete the online registration process, you can also register players in person on Monday 17th February 2020 OR Monday 2nd March 2020 from 4.30pm – 6.30pm at the Marist Albion RFC Clubrooms, 181 Condell Ave.

Our 2020 subscription fees are as follows: – includes a team photo for each player and a jersey (to be returned at the end of season)

$80 for one child

$130 for two or more children from the same family

Sporting Edge are our exclusive stockists and have all your Marist Albion apparel needs covered. You will find a full range of socks, shorts, hoodies, hats and supporters gear available at their store, Unit 9, 501 Wairakei Road, open 7 days a week. Club members will also receive a 10% discount on any other purchases when you shop throughout the store so pick up your mouthguards, boots or any other extras while you are there, they really are a one stop shop!

We are proud to be affiliated with NZ Marist Rugby and can also offer additional rugby experiences throughout the season for our junior members. U9, U11 and U13 players have the opportunity to further represent Marist Albion at the Pompallier Trophy Tournament, an annual event involving junior teams from Marist Albion, Ashburton Celtic and Timaru Celtic.

We encourage our players and supporters to attend our clubrooms each Saturday. The clubrooms are a family friendly environment  and are open from 4pm, the bar is open and food is available for purchase. Junior speeches will be at 5pm. The playground is conveniently located via the back staircase.

If you haven’t already, please ‘Like’ us on Facebook Marist Albion Rugby Club to keep up to date on all club happenings throughout the season.

We look forward to seeing many new and returning faces for the upcoming season. Please don’t hesitate to contact our Junior Club Captain or President for any further information.

Brendon Feary

Junior Club Captain

Ph: 021 226 4003

Email: brendonfeary@yahoo.com

Jo McKenzie

Junior Club President

Ph: 021 067 2906

Email: admin@maristalbion.co.nz

by Dave Philpott

Sheila Foley R.I.P.

The death has occurred of Sheila Foley (née O’Halloran)
Ballyhooley Road, Dillons Cross, Cork

Foley (Ballyhooley Road, Dillons Cross, Cork):
On January 28th, 2020, peacefully, in the tender, loving care of the staff of St. Elizabeth’s Ward, St. Finbarr’s Hospital, SHEILA (née O’Halloran), dearly beloved wife of Charlie and loving mother of John, Tony, Liam
and Phyllis and dear sister of the late Noreen O’Halloran, Billy O’Halloran and Rose Dineen. 
Sadly missed by her loving husband and family, daughters-in-law
Deirdre, Anne, and Rachel. son-in-law Kieran, her adored seven
grandsons, nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. 
Lying in repose at the Mayfield Funeral Home, Old Youghal Road of
Jerh. O’Connor Ltd.
Removal at 8.00pm on (Wednesday) evening to St. Joseph’s Church, Mayfield.
Requiem Mass at 2.30pm on (Thursday). Funeral afterwards to Rathcooney Cemetery. Family flowers only, please. Donations, if desired, to
Friends of the Residents of St. Finbarr’s Hospital.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a h-aman dílis.