While the Roscrea RFC teams have been impressing everyone on the pitch this season, we have had the good fortune of having a dedicated support team of photographers to record the Clubs sporting endeavours on and off the pitch.
Here we look back at 10 of the most significant photos of the year!
In February of this year, the Roscrea RFC senior team were placed 2nd in the league behind Portarlington RFC. Despite winning all their games, a 7 point deduction earlier in the season meant that they visited Lea Road knowing anything but a win would all but kill their chances of league success. What followed was an epic contest, with a masterclass in defence by the Roscrea Team who went on to win 19 -10. This photo above was taken after the game as Roscrea RFC head Coach John Maher addressed his troops in his own unique way. This was the day when the league was won!
The next generation of maroon warriors! In this picture Shane Mulrooney, to the left on his knees is talking to his u9s teams after a tough game in a home blitz on a wet and cold November day. Whats magical about this picture is that even at 7 and 8 years of age, these players are already forming a bond that only team sport can provide. As coaches, this is what we strive for.
Back in the not so distant past before Christmas the Roscrea RFC girls attended an u12s blitz in Tullamore RFC. The significance of this picture taken by Paula Mulrooney is in the detail. The Roscrea Thrower is about to find her jumper in the Roscrea Lineout with the Tullamore player watching on. Considering that at the time these Girls were only 10 years old, it showcases the high level of skill already attained by Girls rugby at the club in a short time. True Maroon Warriors!
Team photos are an important part of recording the journey of any team especially at underage level. This photo of the Roscrea RFC boys u14s taken by Shona Hayes is an important one. It was taken just before the teams 13th league match of the season which they won 65 -5, the significance of this is that it was also their 13th league win in a row. Impressive stuff indeed!
Roscrea RFC hit the national headlines in November when the club became the first in the country to welcome an asylum seeker as a player. Phenyo Ketsitlile a native of Botswana pictured above with Roscrea RFC senior team head coach John Maher played in his first game for the club in December. The event marked a momentous step forward for social integration locally as well as nationally for those seeking asylum and unable to work or mix normally in society. It was widely acknowledged as being inspirational and progressive in equal measure and may in time be remembered as one of the clubs finest achievements.
Quite literally, Girls underage rugby didn’t exist in Roscrea until 3 years ago, when in 2017 a group of intrepid coaches endeavoured to develop the sport in the club. From humble beginnings this section has gone from strenght to strength. The significance of this picture of the Roscrea RFC Girls u14s team taken By Mark Kelly is that this was the year when competitive girls rugby returned to the club. A momentous and hugely positive occasion!
In December 2019, Santa visited Roscrea RFC in what turned out to be a wonderful and hugely entertaining day for the club and its members. To make the occasion truly memorable Santa arrived in a Helicopter Flown by local Business man John Butler and then received a Garda Escort to the Club House by Garda Sergeant Mark Kelly. Santa went on to meet every child at the club while everyone else was entertained by Bojo the clown. In the photo above taken by Saoirse Kelly, the children are being entertained by Bojo while waiting for Santa to arrive.
As a club Roscrea RFC prides itself on being welcoming and friendly while upholding the basic principles of the sport such as integrity, respect and dignity. In this photo taken by Scott Fairbrother, the captain and vice captain of the Roscrea RFC u18s welcome a new team mate to the squad by presenting him with a Club Jersey. Its a small but significant gesture highlighting that what you do off the pitch is just as important as what you do on it.
In Roscrea RFC, the senior men’s team set the tone for the entire club. Fortunately, as a group they embody all the positive principles of Rugby and act as an inspiration for the minis and youth teams below them. In this photo taken by Keith Wallace local business man Chris Neville presents the senior squad with new training gear. A very noteworthy sponsorship by a businessman who understands the importance of sport in the locality.
Simpy put, This is why we do it!
Giving children a unique and positive sporting opportunity where crucial life lessons are learnt in an enjoyable and collectively beneficial way. Playing Rugby teaches resilience, determination, respect and integrity. Those qualities have never been more important.
Coming soon…..
10 of the best Roscrea RFC games of the season.