By Tommy Butler Longford RFC PRO tommylbutler@gmail.com 

Senior Men

Unfortunately, the Senior Men’s match v Tullamore did not go ahead after it was called off by Tullamore.  It was very disappointing for the Senior Men’s squad with consistent training numbers of well over 30 meaning there is a lot of competition in the lead up to the Leinster League kicking off.  The Senior Men trained on Sunday instead.  A friendly will take place this Friday under lights v the Midland Warriors.  This will be the last match before the Leinster League begins on Sunday September 22^nd with an away trip to Tullow for both the Senior Men’s J1 & J2 sides.

Training continues Tuesday and Friday at 7.30 PM, with new and returning players particularly welcome.  We would particular welcome players from last year’s U18 panel.  

Upcoming Fixtures

Friday September 13^th Friendly Longford v Midland Warriors (Home) KO TBC J2

Sunday September 22^nd Leinster League Tullow v Longford (Away) KO 15:00 J1&J2

Sunday September 29^th Leinster League Longford v DLSP (Home) KO 15:00 J1&J2

The full season calendar can be downloaded at: https://bit.ly/2KAwsrr

Longford Women (Warriors)

Longford Women are back in Pre-Season training.  Now is the perfect time to give rugby a go!  All fitness levels, shapes and sizes are welcome.  The Warriors really are an upward curve and got progressively stronger as last season went on.  They are now ready to make an assault on the Division 4 Title and want you to be part.  Training is on Tuesdays and Fridays and 7.30.  Personal Fitness Trainer, Ryan Francis is running Pre-Season training.  Drop in to training for a chat or alternatively give Head Coach Nuala McGoey a ring on 0862482005.

Upcoming Fixtures

Sunday September 29^th Leinster League North Meath/Swords v Longford (Away) KO 13:00

Sunday October 6^th Leinster League Longford v Athy (Home) KO 13:00

Sunday October 20^th Leinster League Barnhall v Longford (Away) KO 13:00

Longford Mini/Youths

All teams are now back training.  We have had a fantastic turn out already and are looking forward to another fantastic season with some quality training, Blitz’s, matches, Cup Runs and trips to the RDS and the Aviva Stadium. Let’s see if we can top it this year!

Minis Training on Sunday

Training.

Remember new players are welcome at all levels with no prior experience required.  It could be you lining out for Ireland in a coming World Cup!

Minis U6-U12 

Training on Sundays at 10.30 am in CPL Park for both girls and boys.  A full season planner can be downloaded at https://bit.ly/2NxGL1j

U13 Male

U13s training every Wednesday from 6.30 PM-8 PM & Sunday 11.30 am – 1 PM.

U14 Male

U14s training every Thursday 7-8.30 PM.

U15 Male

U15s train every Wednesday at 7.30 PM.

U16 Male

U16s train every Wednesday at 7.30 PM.

U17 Male

U17s training every Wednesday at 7.30 PM.

U18s Male

U18s train every Thursday at 7.30 PM.

U14 Female

U14s train every Sunday morning with an extra day per week TBC.

U16&U18 Female

U16s&U18s train every Tuesday and Friday at 7.30 PM.

U16s in action v Buccaneers

Club News

World Cup Competition

The Senior Men's Squad of Longford RFC are running an exciting competition with €500 up for grabs for the winner. The competition is based on Ireland's second match of this year’s Rugby World Cup against the host nation Japan on Saturday September 28^th. The players will be selling scratch cards, one for every second of the game. The lucky person who has the card with the right time matching when the first try is scored will win €500, it is as simple as that! Cards are also available from any of the Senior Playing Squad right up to the match v Japan, if they do not sell out first.

All proceeds go towards funding the Senior Men’s Squad for the coming season. They have done us proud over the last few years, winning the Midland League twice, finishing second/third in Leinster League 1B and reaching the Towns Cup Semi-Final last year. They are aiming to push on this year and your support will help them move forward. The cost of the tickets are a very reasonable €2 each or 3 for €5.

Mini/Youths Boot Room

Attention of all parents.

How many months use do you get out of a new (and very expensive) pair of boots before your child moves up a size and a new (and equally expensive) replacement pair is required?

Aimed particularly at Minis and Youths we have set up a “Boot Room” where you can trade your perfectly good (but outgrown) pair of boots for a larger pair. Boots are not be for sale – the “Boot Room” operates on the basis that you trade in your own pair for another pair. The idea is that the Club will have a self-replenishing supply of boots available to anyone who has a decent (but outgrown) pair which can be traded in return. Just pop into the “Boot Room” with your old pair and see what’s available. We already have a good selection of boots available but to assist in the project we are asking you, the parents, to scour your garage, utility room, footwear box, attic, kit bag or whatever for any outgrown or unloved pairs of boots which you would be willing to donate or trade. We are really only interested in good quality boots without rips or tears and which can be used for playing rugby (ie. no blades).

If you have a pair, you can bring the boots to training and drop them into the Office, or give them to any of the coaches, or bring them to Minis training on Sunday, or leave them at the Club for the attention of Gerry Carthy.

Great Food/Events 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 also available.  For bookings and information phone Kris on 0872872357.

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.