Tom McLoughlin (Fixtures Secretary), Derek Clancy (President) Darragh McCoy (Ticket Officer), Brian Punch (Committee), Caroline Feehily (Treasurer), Shauna Rall (Chairperson), Robbie Hoban (Secretary), Aaron Diviney (Youth Development Officer), Pa Ryan (Rugby Committee), Ged McNamara (Director of Rugby). Photograph: Joe Buckley
WITH BLACK ties, sparkling prosecco and well-known local rugby figures, St Senans RFC’s fiftieth anniversary dinner dance was a night to remember.
Treacy’s Oakwood Hotel was transformed into a sea of glamour and celebration last weekend as past and present members of St. Senans RFC came together to mark fifty years of community, sport, and camaraderie.
Guests arrived in style for the black-tie affair, welcomed by a prosecco reception that set the tone for the evening. The event was officially opened by Chairperson, Shauna Ryall who delivered a rousing address with both humour and heart.
“In 1974, a few local lads gathered in The Crossroads Bar in Drumgeely, and somewhere between a couple of pints and a bold idea, St. Senans RFC was born,” the Chairperson told the crowd. “Like all great plans in Ireland—it started in the pub,” she quipped.
The speech reflected on the club’s journey from humble beginnings and early victories, to the glory of the 1998/99 clean sweep season and the continued success of both men’s and women’s teams over the years. Milestones such as the establishment of Jimmy Slattery Park and the achievements of youth teams this season were proudly highlighted, with nods to the U14s reaching the quarter-final, U18s storming into a semi-final, and the men’s senior team making both a semi-final and final appearance. The club’s mini rugby stars also got a well-deserved shoutout for lighting up blitzes every Sunday.
The evening continued with a three-course meal and flowing drinks, followed by the much-anticipated Player of the Year awards, the Club Person of the Year presentation, and special recognition of long-standing volunteers. Past captains and presidents were also honoured.
Among the special guests on the night were Gerry O’Shea, representing Declan Madden, President of the IRFU, and Brendan Foley, President of the Munster Branch of the IRFU, both of whom joined the club in celebrating this major milestone and recognising St. Senans’ contribution to rugby in Munster and beyond.
A special thank-you was extended to Caroline Feehily (Treasurer) and the fiftieth anniversary event committee for orchestrating the night. Sponsors E.I. Electronics and Shannon Springs Hotel were warmly acknowledged, alongside all the corporate sponsors who’ve supported the club with jersey sponsorships, pitch signs, rugby trips, hampers, vouchers and more.
Speeches didn’t mark the end of the celebrations as the dance floor filled quickly and stayed packed, with music, laughter, and some questionable footwork.
Development of a third training pitch, a clubhouse refurbishment and new floodlights for the back pitch are among the early plans in train as St Senans RFC look ahead to the next fifty years.
