Longford Auld Blacks hosted a memorable gala luncheon the sumptuous Mansion House on the day of Ireland's last game in Croke Park.  

While the International match result didn't go as was expected, the professionally-run event was an outstanding success and a credit to the hard-working Auld Blacks committee, headed up by former Longford RFC players Padraic O'Kane and Mark Quinn. 

Over 500 people gathered in the spectacular Round Room for the inaugural event, which was hosted by popular TV and radio personality, Hector Ó hEochagáin. Special guests on the day were former Ireland, Lions and Leinster player, Shane Byrne and former Scotland and Lions player, Andy Nicol, who provide the audience with a hugely entertaining talk on rugby, both past and present.  

Following the excellent meal, the first former player to be inducted into the Hall of Fame was announced as Ballymahon's Niall Nally, who played with distinction for Longford and Leinster Juniors during the 1970s. The hall of fame award was sponsored by GEM. 

The club also took the opportunity to honour 2 club servants in the form of a "Recognition of Service to Longford RFC" Award. Chairman of the IRFU's Commercial and Marketing Department and Longford RFC lifetime member Pat Fitzgerald was selected as the first worthy recipient of the award.  

The committee also issued an identical ‘Recognition of Service to Longford RFC' award to Derick Turner, a lifelong member of the club who was part of the committee that reformed the club back in 1967. Throughout the 40 years since, Derick has been an integral part of the club's progress and success.  

Hector, with the help of Longford's own Tom Cox, held an auction of some valuable items including being an Ireland mascot for a day, a framed, signed Irish jersey and a VIP hospitality trip to a Westlife concert.  

The event then moved to Croke Park, where Ireland and Scotland took centre stage, and after the match all returned to the Mansion House for an evening's entertainment with festivities lasting long into the night. 

After the success of Saturday, this event is sure to become a fixture in its own right for years to come in the Longford sporting calendar.

Pictured below, Niall Nally making his speech following his induction into the Longford Auld Blacks Hall of Fame. For more pictures from the event, click here or on the gallery section.