As we approach the end of 2024 and the midpoint of the rugby season, I want to extend my warmest wishes for a Happy and Peaceful Christmas to all our Volunteers, Members, Staff, Families, and Friends.

This year has been busy for our club; we celebrated Christmas in style at the St Mary pre-match dinner on December 13th, attended by over 200 people, with many more joining us for the game and festivities afterwards. Just two days later, Santa Claus visited on December 15th, bringing joy to our younger members and their families.

 

1st XV: Currently 7th in Division 1A of the AIL with 21 points after 9 games (4 wins, 5 losses). We look forward to the Bateman Cup final against Instonians at Lansdowne Road on January 4th. Best wishes to Head Coach Declan Fassbender, Captain Jack Cooke, and the team.

J1s: Leading Metro Premier 1 with 36 points (7 wins, 2 losses), 6 points ahead of Terenure.

J2s: Dominating Metro Division 3 with 39 points (8 wins, 1 loss), holding a 9-point lead over Naas.

J3s: At the top of Metro Division 5 with 21 points (4 wins, 1 loss).

J4s: In 4th place in Metro Division 8 with 12 points (4 wins, 3 losses).

U20s: Currently in 6th place in JP Flanagan Premier 1 with 14 points (2 wins, 5 losses).

 

1st XV: Our new women's team is in 4th place in Division 6 with 8 points (2 wins, 3 losses) and has scored the most tries in the division (22).

 

Mini & Youth's Rugby
It has been a hectic four months for the Minis & Youths section of Lansdowne FC. Our Youths’ teams have been busy at early Cup games with a good round of results.
The U17s under Olivier Padioleau having had a very strong set of results but beaten in the cup final by Seapoint.
The U13s (Janet Trehy), 14s (Alan Reddan) and U16s (Steve McHugh and James Fegan) have shown great promise at early grading games with the U13s and U16s topping their tables to move into Premier Division for the league proper.
The U16s have also had 5 boys with representative honours playing for Leinster Metro and the U13s are busy planning and fund raising for their tour to Biarritz in the new year so well done and thanks to everybody involved. If you are in a position to come onboard as a tour sponsor, just get in touch with Janet.

The Minis have been enjoying plenty of competition both at home and away, and have hosted some big blitzes and visiting teams. 
Our U12s hosted Ballynahinch, and they will also host a visiting side from Bath in the new year, as well as parading Leinster out, as flag bearers onto the big pitch for the big Leinster v Bath game. They’ll also be travelling as a group to support our senior team in Cork Constitution in March. Exciting times for them! 

The U6s and U7s have grown again this year, I urge anybody standing on the sidelines to get involved as a coach if they have the time and the interest. It is both rewarding and enjoyable. Get in touch with Susannah and Louise.

We wrapped up the youngest groups with a visit by Santa and Mrs Claus last Sunday. It was a superb event. Thanks to everybody involved for making it happen. Thanks to Elayne and Stephanie in the office for their support and to the house staff Dave, Niall and Dora for their unceasing patience and dedication.

 

Our investment at Claremont Road is thriving with regular junior and wimens matches/training and active use by our Minis and Youth teams. The Hockey Pitch is also busy with Loreto School and Railway Union utilizing the facilities.

The newly developed perimeter path has become a favorite among members and neighbors. The District One Gym and Elevate Pilates (led by Senior Physio Aisling Frawley) are popular spots within the Claremont clubhouse.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all the volunteers who have contributed to the development, tenant management, and daily operations at Claremont. I want to especially thank Stephen Tunney, who is stepping down this month after 18 months of quiet yet effective leadership on the Claremont project. Stephen has successfully built a strong team and navigated the transition of ownership while addressing the diverse needs of individuals and organizations, including neighbours, members, Dublin City Council, and tenants. Stephen, we are immensely grateful for your service to our club.

 

The Business Lunch is on January 24th; a few tables are still available. Please contact Stephanie to book.

The Minis and Youth Fundraising Lunch will be held on March 7th before the Ireland vs. France International match, tables will be available mid-January.

The Women of Lansdowne Lunch takes place on April 25th with the Club Annual Dinner 24 hours later on Saturday April 26th

The Playera Awards night and Three Castle Ball will be held on May 2nd to close the season in style.

The AGM is set for Thursday May 8th

The Corporate Golf Day has been set for Friday May 23rd so mark the date booking will commence soon

 

Many thanks again to Elayne Power and her team for their hard work during the Autumn International Series, Leinster games and Club events during the 1st half of the season. We wish them a Happy Christmas and a well-deserved break, before the 6 Nations series and another round of Leinster, AIL and club events.

 

In closing, I would like to thank the Executive committee and all volunteers for their hard work and contribution to Lansdowne. And wish them, our players, members, and friends of Lansdowne a joyful Christmas. I look forward to seeing you at the club as we enter the "business end" of the season in January.