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Brief History of Longford RFC

Longford RFC; The early years in terms of rugby being played, Longford Rugby Club has a claim to being amongst the oldest clubs in Ireland. It is generally accepted that matches were played in Longford in the 1890's due to the presence of two army garrisons. However, no records which confirm a date of establishment have been preserved from that period. It is therefore, necessary to fast forward to 1921 for the first records confirming the formal establishment of the club. The first officers of the club were: President, Dr V.S Delaney; Hon. Secretary and Treasurer, Dr.Hedley Boyers; Committee, Hubert Wilson, Jim Molloy, Tom Finlay, B.L.; Dick Kelly of Strokestown; James Maguire of Rooskey; and George Montgomery, Longford Co. Registrar.

Longford's very first team was selected from the following Members: Arthur Burns, Carrickboy; Willie Kenny of Antley, Ballymahon; Michael Burns of Newport; Lionel Miller of Legan; George Brady, Northern Bank, Lanesboro'; Frazer Browne of Newtownforbes, better known as "Horsey Browne" when he gave many outstanding performance for both Ireland and Leinster. Also on the list were; Frank Kenny of Castlewilder; George Taylor of Granard; James Maguire, Rooskey; Wesley Raymond of Cooleeney; J. Neill of Skerries; Mitchell Burnett of Abbeyderg.

The Longford townsmen were; Jim Molloy; Mel Deane, who was also a great soccer player: Garda John O'Neill; Sergeant Tom Ruane, G.S.; Big Paddy Farrell and his brothers Lucius and Jimmy of Market Square; Harry Pearse; Joe Gilchrist; the two McGaver brothers; Jeff and Mick Farrell of Ballymahon Street; Dr Hedley Boyers; Ned Gaffney; Dick Burke, National Bank; Vincent Mahon; Bank of Ireland; Willie Jarret; Batty Higgins; Jack Prior of Customs and Excise; and John E.Doris. The first matches were played on Wards Field where presently Congress Terrace Stands. The Club Colours were black as today,but with the addition of broad yellow bands. The after match meal took place in Stokers hotel (now the premises of "The Mans Shop") and after match festivities took place in the Longford Arms. The Annual Dance was the main means of fund raising for the club. It took place in the Forresters' Hall ( the "Odeon Cinema" now exists on the site)and was one of the social events of the year, even outstripping the Hunt Ball. It was preceeded by an annual match against Trinity College, followed by dancing till 6 AM.

During the first year Longford travelled far and wide playing teams such as UCD, Trinity Sligo, Enniskillen, Kilbeggan, Birr, Tullamore, Mullingar, Edenderry, Cavan and Bective Rangers both home and away. Longford travelled in style during this period in a huge Rolls Royce and an equally impressive De Lage. These were both put at the clubs disposal very generously by the then club President Dr V.S Delaney at a time when motorised transport was at a premium.

Moving on to 1936, many of the original players still lined out for the club such as Jim Molloy, Jeff and Mick Farrell, John O'Neill, Paddy Farrell, John Doris and Jimmy Maguire. Fresh Talent emerging at the time included Dick Bisset, Garda J. McBride, Paddy and Frank McGarry, Richard Tuite, Syl and Tommy Higgins, Ned and Tom Kiernan, Eric and Harold Turner, Freddie and Edwin Parkes, George Hall and Paddy Fox.

Longford RFC Team 1921

Back Row from left: Dr.Delaney, Dick Burke, Mitchell Burnett, Ned Gaffney, James Molloy, H. Wilson, Mick Farrell,Lloyd Mahoney, Reggie Martin, Dr Hedley Boyers

Front Row From Left: Reggie Neil, R.Ferris,Jack Callinan, Lionel Miller, Jeff Farrell.

Ballymahon RFC and the Post War Years

From 1928 to 1939 Longford enjoyed a keen local rivalry with Ballymahon RFC. The later enjoyed 11 vigorous years of existence, but as in the case of Longford RFC the Second World War led to rugby taking a back seat. The club colours were red, white and black and match's were played at Nobs Hill. Hugh Nally the publican and grocer was both founder and secretary of the club and in an interview in 1979 allowed some of his memories to be committed to print.

Among his memories is losing the Towns Cup Final at Lansdowne Rd to Carlow 9-5. Ballymahon might have had better look that day but for three members of the team staying out until the early hours the night before. In reaching the final that year Ballymahon overcame Longford and Athy in the semi-final by scoring the winning try in the eighteenth minute of extra time.

Ballymahon never lost to Mullingar, indeed Mullingar's best result was a draw. The big event of the year was the dance in Connolly Hall. On any free weekends the local derby was renewed with gusto,normally leading to players on both sides needing medical attention. Post match all was forgotten and adjournment to Nallys for liquid refreshment was considered a must.

The post war years led to a brief cessation of games in Longford, although the club remained affiliated to the IRFU mainly to secure international tickets. 1967 saw the revival of the playing side of the club which has continued to this day.

The Ballymahon Panel

Back Row from left:Jack Mullery, Pat Farrell, Larry Feeney, Joe Flanagan, Michell Barnett, Francie Flynn and Jimmy Duncan.

Middle Row From Left:Jimmy Troy, Michael Connolly, Hugh Nally (Captain), Peter Lynn, Matt Thompson and Jackie Nally.

Front Row From Left:Dermot Horan and Pat Caulfield

Standing at the back:Joseph Killane and John Fagan

A commemeration of The Longford Player and Ireland International W.F. 'Horsey' Browne

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The senior committee would like to thank the sponsors:

Main Sponsor:
Sierra Communications

1st XV Sponsor:
Chiller Off Licence
(Patrick Hanlon)

Women's Rugby Sponsor:
Butler Manufacturing Services

Coaches Sponsors:
Turner Print Group &
Longford Tool Hire

Other:
Louis Heterich

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