By Tommy Butler Longford RFC PRO tommylbutler@gmail.com 

Senior Men away at home to North Kildare and Senior Women at home to Tallaght, Longford Hall of Fame Awards with Joe Schmidt, Minis Trip to Leinster v Toulouse…

Senior Men

Longford Senior Men welcome North Kildare to CPL Park this Sunday after having last weekend off.  However, most of the players would probably have preferred to have went straight into the North Kildare match on the weekend past, after suffering only their first defeat of the season to Suttonian’s the weekend before last.  Although North Kildare are bottom of Division 1B, Longford will not be underestimating them, as they have been on the wrong side of a number of close results and ran third placed Monkstown very close for most of their last match.  Longford managed to secure two wins versus North Kildare last season, winning 32-19 in the first match of the season and 24-42 in the return match in Kilcock.  The Early XV play the same opposition and hope to continue their upward momentum after securing three wins in their last three matches.  Longford face Coolmine again at home on December 2^nd before their last Leinster League match of 2018 away to Carlow on December 9^th.  The Senior Men’s last match of the current year is on December 30^th where Longford play in the Midland League Final versus Edenderry for the Midland League Trophy.  The Midland League Trophy, Shield and Plate are all up for grabs on the day with Tullamore RFC hosting all three matches.

As always, the Senior Men would appreciate a large support in CPL Park for the next two Sundays.  They are still only three points off the top!

Upcoming Fixtures

Sunday November 25^th Leinster League North Kildare (Home).

Sunday December 2^nd Leinster League Coolmine (Home).

Sunday December 9^th Leinster League Carlow (Away).

Sunday December 30^th Midland League Trophy Final v Edenderry (Tullamore).

League Kick offs 13:00/14:30 in November/January & 12:30/14:00 in December.

Liam Brady and Philly Dardis pack down against DLSP.

Longford Women (Warriors)

Longford Women also had last weekend off.  They are back in action in the league this Sunday versus Tallaght at home in CPL Park.  The Warriors are improving every week and would appreciate your support.

The Warriors train every Tuesday and Friday night at 7.30 PM. New players of all fitness levels are welcome, even if they have not played before. Contact Nuala on 082482005.

Upcoming Fixtures:

Sunday November 25^th Leinster League Tallaght (Home).

Sunday December 2^nd Leinster League Athy (Away).

Sunday December 9^th Leinster League Portlaoise (Home).

Sunday January 13^th Leinster League Greystones (Away).

Longford Mini/Youths

Mini Rugby (U7-U12)

The Mini section of the club held an open day for new players on Sunday.  There was a great turnout, with many no doubt inspired by Irelands great win versus New Zealand to lace up their boots for first time.  Longford have trained coaches at all levels and welcome girls and boys.  It is never too late to start. Coaching information can be found at the following link https://goo.gl/qAVBPv

Longford Minis in action

Fixtures

Saturday November 24th  
U18 v Tullamore (Home)

U17 v Boyne (Away)

U16 v Enniscorthy (Home)

U11/U12 v Carrick on Shannon (Home)

Sunday November 25th

U7-U10 & Girls Training (Home)

Try and buy Longford Club Gear this Sunday November 25th from 10.30 am – 12 pm

The Clubs gear supplier Uniformity will be at the club this Sunday with samples of gear to try on.  They will also by taking orders.  Longford RFC Gear is a great choice for all your friends and family for Christmas. Did you know we also have 24/7 online shop through our partners Uniformity.ie where you can purchase Longford RFC Jerseys, Hoodies, Jackets and more, all by Canterbury. The general turn around is up 14 days from order, so make sure to order early!  You can log out to our shop via the shop link on our website www.longfordrugby.com or the this direct link https://goo.gl/5MH8eE

Training

Longford RFC field teams at Youth level from U6 to U18. Training and coaching information can be found below.  Gerry Carthy is Minis/Youths Chair. We are always looking for more coaches, managers, referees, administrators or helpers. If you can help out for even a few hours or make sandwiches for a game or have an ideas/concern’s please contact Gerry on; 086-8046857.

Youths

Longford Youths are back training at all levels. New players are welcome at all age levels throughout the season (it is never too late to join in!). There is no better time to start with the Rugby World Cup looming large on the horizon next November. Training times and Fixtures can be found on www.longfordrugby.com or at https://goo.gl/qAVBPv

New players are welcome at all age levels – just come to the club on the relevant training night or contact the contact the relevant coach via the link above for details. Don’t worry about not having played before – we have the coaching staff to teach the basics to any player. Jimmy Murphy is the Youth’s Co-ordinator and can be contacted at 086 2555621.

Minis (U6-U12)

Our future Leinster and Ireland stars train every Sunday at 10.30 am. New players are very welcome, we have a comprehensive team of trained coaches. Just remember to bring a gum shield and a bottle of water along with your training gear. Two new innovations for the coming season are that we have a new state of the art 4G training area, which are suitable for contact sports along with Girls Training from U8-U12.

The Full Mini (U7-U12) Season Planner can be downloaded at the following link; http://goo.gl/DAZ5GK  

Padraig Murphy is the Mini’s Co-ordinator and can be contacted at 086 2526741 or prgm@me.com 

Please make sure to have membership paid in order to take part in games and make sure that your details are on the text list.

Club News

Ireland v New Zealand

What an incredible day it was on Saturday in the Aviva Stadium where Ireland secured a historic first win on home soil versus a full loaded All Blacks after over 100 years of trying.  A number of members of the Longford RFC were lucky enough to secure tickets through the club and enjoyed a fantastic ‘edge of your seat’ game in a fantastic atmosphere.  One thing for sure is that Ireland are looking in rude health for a tilt at next years World Cup and have much better squad depth than at the last run of the event.  Remember your road to playing for Ireland could all start with your local club like Longford RFC.  We welcome new players at all levels. 

Longford RFC Hall of Fame awards with Joe Schmidt on December 15th

The awards will take place in the prestigious venue that is The Mansion Houses Round Room on December 15th.  The two inductees for the Clubs Hall of Fame are Paddy Quinn and Matt Hanley.  Neither of these club stalwarts will need any introduction to members and friends of the club. Longford have secured the services of the most in demand speaker on Irelands sports circuit at the moment, none other than Ireland Head Coach, Joe Schmidt.  Getting to hear from Joe with the Six Nations and the World Cup on the horizon are worth the ticket price alone.  A pre-lunch reception begins at 12.30 followed by lunch at 13:00.  To round off the day attendees can add tickets to the Leinster v Bath Champions Cup match in the Aviva Stadium, which takes place at 5.30.  Tickets are priced at €100 each.  Tables of ten are also available.  

Tickets are going fast sop please contact any of the event committee asap to secure your place; Michael Connellan, Pat Fitzgerald, Padraic O’Kane, Dan Magan, Padraig Murphy, Gavin Belton and Derick Turner.

Longford Minis/Youth heading to Leinster v Toulouse

After the last very successful trip where over 150 Longford Minis/Youths travelled to the Aviva Stadium to watch Leinster take on Wasp, the Minis are back on the road again supporting the Boys in Blue v Toulouse in the RDS on January 12^th.  The match kick off is a very Mini Friendly 1 PM.  The trip is now booked out, if you would like to be put on the cancellation list, please contact Padraig Murphy on 086 2526741

Amazing Fundraising Draw by Longford Senior Men

The Senior Men's Rugby team will be holding a draw this Christmas to support the local rugby club. The tickets will range from 1 cent up to €15 and will be available from all senior players. There is a big prize fund so get your tickets to be in with a chance to win!  The first prize is €1000!!! Second prize is €500 and three further prizes of €100 each.

Social Dancing at Longford RFC

Did you know that social dancing takes place every Wednesday evening from 10 PM – 12 PM?  We have one of the newest and best clubhouses in the country, along with great music and a great crowd.  Admission is €10 including refreshments with all funds raised going directly to the club. Contact 087 9843331 for more information.

Upcoming lineup;

21/11/18 Sean Brennan

28/11/18 Carmel McLoughlin

Great Food/Events & Christmas Parties at Longford RFC

The Sin Bin at Longford RFC serves great quality and value food on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday from 12-3 and 12-7 on Saturday and Sunday. Booking for events such as birthdays, christening, confirmations, communions, weddings and funerals are available.

Kris is now taking booking for the Sin Bins ever popular Christmas parties.

The Sin Bin also shows all Irish rugby/Leinster/Munster matches live.

For bookings and information phone Kris on 0872872357.

St. Stephens Night at Longford RFC

The Sin Bin will be hosting our normal great St. Stephens night party on December 26^th.  On what is a very busy night in town the rugby club is perfect place to meet friends and family in a more chilled atmosphere.  Remember to put it down on your diary.

4G All Weather Pitch Rental

Our state of the art floodlight Mel Diffley 4G pitch is available for rental.  It contains shock absorption so that players can play contact sports/fall over without hurting themselves.  It is also perfect for 5 a side soccer.  If you would like to book it phone Damian on 0862757103.