As we come to the end of the 2025/6 season I want to reflect on what has been an incredibly enjoyable year. It has been a huge honour for me to be president of Lansdowne FC, something I and my family will treasure forever.
As you are all aware there has been a lot of activity this season, both on and off the pitch with many projects on the go. One of the most significant is the application for 3 indoor padel courts in Claremont, which we recently received planning permission for. It really cements our Claremont grounds as a multi-sport facility with rugby, soccer, hockey, gym, walking track, pilates, yoga and now padel all taking place in one venue. This will be a huge addition to the club and the surrounding area, and I look forward to seeing the progress on this project over the coming months. Thanks to everyone who has been involved in this project over the last number of years.
On the pitch it has been a very fruitful season, with 5 more trophies going into the cabinet and the history books. I am delighted to say that our Women’s team made history this year by winning their League. This is the first Women’s trophy in the history of Lansdowne Football Club, something we are very proud of. Sincere congratulations to Stephen Rooney, John Tobin, Captain Ava Elders Gallagher and the entire squad for a very enjoyable and profitable season.
Our Senior team made the final of the Leinster Senior Cup back in September in a pulsating match in Energia Park, only to fall agonisingly short to Terenure. They also reached the semi-finals of the All-Ireland League for the 3rd year in a row. Congrats to head coach Declan Fassbender, Captain Andy Marks and all involved in what was somewhat was a very enjoyable year.
I want to acknowledge the outstanding contribution Declan Fassbender has made to the club over the last 25+ years. Declan’s ‘golden age’ as Head Coach of the U20s spans decades. Notwithstanding the fact that we lost one full season due to Covid, in a twelve-year period Lansdowne U20’s won five JP Fanagan Premier 1 League titles, three Fraser McMullen All Ireland Cups and two Mc Corry Cups. An outstanding record for any coach. The aforementioned list simply highlights how important the U20s are to Lansdowne FC as a breeding ground to develop players. Furthermore, having taken over as head coach in 2023, Declan also achieved success with our First XV, reaching 3 All Ireland semi-finals in a row. Thank you Declan for your immense contribution to Lansdowne. We wish you and your family the very best and look forward to welcoming you back to the club soon.
I also want to the myriad of referees we have in the club on their huge contribution. In short, without referees we have no game, so we very much appreciate the efforts made by all our in house referees. One in particular stole the show this year at the Leinster Rugby Referees dinner winning the Harry Ardil Referee of the Year award. Well done Eze.
Our J1’s had a difficult season this year after losing a lot of squad players last season. Head coach Conor Nugent returned along with assistant Ed O’Keefe. In spite of the thin squad, Conor & Ed guided us to finish in 2nd place in our section with 7 wins from 13 games. The Metro Cup run unfortunately finished in the 1st round with a loss to Old Belvedere.
Our Junior squad (J2-4s) had an incredible season playing the most exciting brand of rugby seen in many years, under the stewardship of LFC Clubman of the Year 2026 John Delaney, Rory Madigan & Angus Piggott, Aaron Daly, Barry Lalor and Oscar O’Cleirigh
The J2’s were unbeaten in the league with a perfect 16 from 16. They took that confidence into the Albert O’Connell Cup. Unfortunately, they came up just short against a strong Wanderers J1 side. Congratulations on a great season guys, losing 1 game all year.
The J3s played DLSP in the final of the Moran Cup winning 26-20 finishing the stronger of the two teams. This marks the first time since 2011-12 that Lansdowne has brought the cup home. Stand In Captain Luc Van Cauwelaert (Vanner the third) led the charge and brough the goods home.
Finally, our J4’s also finished strong with a most memorable season for them. Similar to the J2’s they went unbeaten during the season, winning 16 wins from 16 competitive games to take the league title. They also beat a feisty Bective side in the O'Connor Cup with hero of the day, Danny Hogan stealing the limelight with the final kick of the game. It was also a fitting send-off for Cathal McNamara, who hung up the boots after 130 appearances for the club. Well done to all junior teams on a most memorable season.
Our U20’s also had a very strong finish to the season after a shaky start. Emmett Farrell’s men made it to the semi-finals of the Fraser McMullen cup. After a long and tough season, the extent of the injures in the squad took its toll in the end. Well done to Emmett, Barry Gibney and Mark Roche on a great season. A very special mention to Mark MacMahon who also steps down as Director of U20s rugby after 10+ very successful seasons in charge. Thank you Mark for all that you have done. Our club is lucky to have so many dedicated servants such as yourself. Enjoy your retirement. I want to wish Olivier Padiolieu, who steps into Mark’s shoes, the very best for the coming season. Olivier has been with this year’s U18’s for the last 12 seasons and I have no doubt his boys will give everything for him & Lansdowne next season.
At minis and youths, we go from strength to strength with our U15’s & U16’s bringing home some silver. It is brilliant to see all of our teams have been up there where they should be, competing for honours in their respective competitions.
Congratulations also to our two representative players, Johnny Woods and Philip Lynch on their inclusion in the Irish U18’s side which competed at the 6 Nations Festival this year. Well done to you both and congratulations on your achievements.
Thank you to all our players, coaches, medics, parents & administrators and a very special thank you to Ian Hopkins & Mark Quinn for their tireless work in looking after the senior & junior rugby in the club. Well done.
Throughout the season I have received huge support from our executive committee and our trustees. I would like to thank them all for the massive efforts and huge amount of work they have and continue to put in on behalf of the club. Karl Cleere will step down as Treasurer after 12 years of service. Karl has given a huge amount of time throughout these years, and I want to thank him sincerely for all his efforts. James Caslin will step into the Hon Treasurer role, and we wish him all the best.
Thank you to all our committees and their respective chairs: Simon Coyle (House), Mark Forrest, (Claremont Operations), Ian Hopkins (Rugby), Karl Cleere (Finance), Mark Quinn (Mini’s & Youths), Bobby Geraghty (Year book), Conor & Rosanna Shaw (Club Shop), Joanna Lee (Ladies Lunch). A special mention also to Tony Garry, who has led the very successful fundraising efforts for Claremont. Thank you Tony for your effort and wonderful achievements this year and indeed to all who have donated so generously to this wonderful venue.
Off the pitch and behind the scenes, the trojan work of Elayne Power, Niall Robinson, Paddy Tyrell, Louis Preston, Alan Cuffe etc and the entire team is greatly appreciated. We are the envy of many Dublin clubs for the strong in-house team we have, and we really are very lucky to have them all involved with Lansdowne. We also saw the departure of Stephanie Ojo at Christmas, we thank Stephanie for her contribution to the club over the last three years and wish her well in her future endeavours.
As a club, we are blessed with the people we have. To the multitude of volunteers and helpers throughout the club, thank you. We would not be the club we are without your dedication and commitment. There are too many to mention, but you know who you are. We need more like you, so please encourage your family and friends to step forward and lend a hand.
I want to wish the incoming President, Graham “Beamer” Quinn the very best for the upcoming season. Graham has been a great support to me personally over the last number of years and I thank him for his support and counsel. He will no doubt lead the charge to drive the club forward and already has made big inroads, not least with his efforts in revamping the club’s constitution. He of course will be ably followed by VP Mark Forrest and incoming JVP Bobby Geraghty.
I also want to thank our Chairman, Mick Dawson who finishes his term this year. Mick has contributed immensely to Lansdowne over many decades, and I want to thank him sincerely for all his efforts, particularly as Chairman, for the last three years. Colin Goode will take over as Chairman. I wish Goodie, Beamer and everyone on the executive the very best for the coming years. The club is in good hands, and I have no doubt they will continue to drive the prosperity and results both on and off the pitch.
Sincere thanks to all our members and their families, from our U6s up to the 1sts for their support over the last year. I look forward to reconnecting with my very patient wife, and I also thank her and my kids for their constant support this year.
Enjoy your summer everyone and I look forward to seeing you all next season.
Gavin Lee
President
Lansdowne 2025-26
As you are all aware there has been a lot of activity this season, both on and off the pitch with many projects on the go. One of the most significant is the application for 3 indoor padel courts in Claremont, which we recently received planning permission for. It really cements our Claremont grounds as a multi-sport facility with rugby, soccer, hockey, gym, walking track, pilates, yoga and now padel all taking place in one venue. This will be a huge addition to the club and the surrounding area, and I look forward to seeing the progress on this project over the coming months. Thanks to everyone who has been involved in this project over the last number of years.
On the pitch it has been a very fruitful season, with 5 more trophies going into the cabinet and the history books. I am delighted to say that our Women’s team made history this year by winning their League. This is the first Women’s trophy in the history of Lansdowne Football Club, something we are very proud of. Sincere congratulations to Stephen Rooney, John Tobin, Captain Ava Elders Gallagher and the entire squad for a very enjoyable and profitable season.
Our Senior team made the final of the Leinster Senior Cup back in September in a pulsating match in Energia Park, only to fall agonisingly short to Terenure. They also reached the semi-finals of the All-Ireland League for the 3rd year in a row. Congrats to head coach Declan Fassbender, Captain Andy Marks and all involved in what was somewhat was a very enjoyable year.
I want to acknowledge the outstanding contribution Declan Fassbender has made to the club over the last 25+ years. Declan’s ‘golden age’ as Head Coach of the U20s spans decades. Notwithstanding the fact that we lost one full season due to Covid, in a twelve-year period Lansdowne U20’s won five JP Fanagan Premier 1 League titles, three Fraser McMullen All Ireland Cups and two Mc Corry Cups. An outstanding record for any coach. The aforementioned list simply highlights how important the U20s are to Lansdowne FC as a breeding ground to develop players. Furthermore, having taken over as head coach in 2023, Declan also achieved success with our First XV, reaching 3 All Ireland semi-finals in a row. Thank you Declan for your immense contribution to Lansdowne. We wish you and your family the very best and look forward to welcoming you back to the club soon.
I also want to the myriad of referees we have in the club on their huge contribution. In short, without referees we have no game, so we very much appreciate the efforts made by all our in house referees. One in particular stole the show this year at the Leinster Rugby Referees dinner winning the Harry Ardil Referee of the Year award. Well done Eze.
Our J1’s had a difficult season this year after losing a lot of squad players last season. Head coach Conor Nugent returned along with assistant Ed O’Keefe. In spite of the thin squad, Conor & Ed guided us to finish in 2nd place in our section with 7 wins from 13 games. The Metro Cup run unfortunately finished in the 1st round with a loss to Old Belvedere.
Our Junior squad (J2-4s) had an incredible season playing the most exciting brand of rugby seen in many years, under the stewardship of LFC Clubman of the Year 2026 John Delaney, Rory Madigan & Angus Piggott, Aaron Daly, Barry Lalor and Oscar O’Cleirigh
The J2’s were unbeaten in the league with a perfect 16 from 16. They took that confidence into the Albert O’Connell Cup. Unfortunately, they came up just short against a strong Wanderers J1 side. Congratulations on a great season guys, losing 1 game all year.
The J3s played DLSP in the final of the Moran Cup winning 26-20 finishing the stronger of the two teams. This marks the first time since 2011-12 that Lansdowne has brought the cup home. Stand In Captain Luc Van Cauwelaert (Vanner the third) led the charge and brough the goods home.
Finally, our J4’s also finished strong with a most memorable season for them. Similar to the J2’s they went unbeaten during the season, winning 16 wins from 16 competitive games to take the league title. They also beat a feisty Bective side in the O'Connor Cup with hero of the day, Danny Hogan stealing the limelight with the final kick of the game. It was also a fitting send-off for Cathal McNamara, who hung up the boots after 130 appearances for the club. Well done to all junior teams on a most memorable season.
Our U20’s also had a very strong finish to the season after a shaky start. Emmett Farrell’s men made it to the semi-finals of the Fraser McMullen cup. After a long and tough season, the extent of the injures in the squad took its toll in the end. Well done to Emmett, Barry Gibney and Mark Roche on a great season. A very special mention to Mark MacMahon who also steps down as Director of U20s rugby after 10+ very successful seasons in charge. Thank you Mark for all that you have done. Our club is lucky to have so many dedicated servants such as yourself. Enjoy your retirement. I want to wish Olivier Padiolieu, who steps into Mark’s shoes, the very best for the coming season. Olivier has been with this year’s U18’s for the last 12 seasons and I have no doubt his boys will give everything for him & Lansdowne next season.
At minis and youths, we go from strength to strength with our U15’s & U16’s bringing home some silver. It is brilliant to see all of our teams have been up there where they should be, competing for honours in their respective competitions.
Congratulations also to our two representative players, Johnny Woods and Philip Lynch on their inclusion in the Irish U18’s side which competed at the 6 Nations Festival this year. Well done to you both and congratulations on your achievements.
Thank you to all our players, coaches, medics, parents & administrators and a very special thank you to Ian Hopkins & Mark Quinn for their tireless work in looking after the senior & junior rugby in the club. Well done.
Throughout the season I have received huge support from our executive committee and our trustees. I would like to thank them all for the massive efforts and huge amount of work they have and continue to put in on behalf of the club. Karl Cleere will step down as Treasurer after 12 years of service. Karl has given a huge amount of time throughout these years, and I want to thank him sincerely for all his efforts. James Caslin will step into the Hon Treasurer role, and we wish him all the best.
Thank you to all our committees and their respective chairs: Simon Coyle (House), Mark Forrest, (Claremont Operations), Ian Hopkins (Rugby), Karl Cleere (Finance), Mark Quinn (Mini’s & Youths), Bobby Geraghty (Year book), Conor & Rosanna Shaw (Club Shop), Joanna Lee (Ladies Lunch). A special mention also to Tony Garry, who has led the very successful fundraising efforts for Claremont. Thank you Tony for your effort and wonderful achievements this year and indeed to all who have donated so generously to this wonderful venue.
Off the pitch and behind the scenes, the trojan work of Elayne Power, Niall Robinson, Paddy Tyrell, Louis Preston, Alan Cuffe etc and the entire team is greatly appreciated. We are the envy of many Dublin clubs for the strong in-house team we have, and we really are very lucky to have them all involved with Lansdowne. We also saw the departure of Stephanie Ojo at Christmas, we thank Stephanie for her contribution to the club over the last three years and wish her well in her future endeavours.
As a club, we are blessed with the people we have. To the multitude of volunteers and helpers throughout the club, thank you. We would not be the club we are without your dedication and commitment. There are too many to mention, but you know who you are. We need more like you, so please encourage your family and friends to step forward and lend a hand.
I want to wish the incoming President, Graham “Beamer” Quinn the very best for the upcoming season. Graham has been a great support to me personally over the last number of years and I thank him for his support and counsel. He will no doubt lead the charge to drive the club forward and already has made big inroads, not least with his efforts in revamping the club’s constitution. He of course will be ably followed by VP Mark Forrest and incoming JVP Bobby Geraghty.
I also want to thank our Chairman, Mick Dawson who finishes his term this year. Mick has contributed immensely to Lansdowne over many decades, and I want to thank him sincerely for all his efforts, particularly as Chairman, for the last three years. Colin Goode will take over as Chairman. I wish Goodie, Beamer and everyone on the executive the very best for the coming years. The club is in good hands, and I have no doubt they will continue to drive the prosperity and results both on and off the pitch.
Sincere thanks to all our members and their families, from our U6s up to the 1sts for their support over the last year. I look forward to reconnecting with my very patient wife, and I also thank her and my kids for their constant support this year.
Enjoy your summer everyone and I look forward to seeing you all next season.
Gavin Lee
President
Lansdowne 2025-26
