Longford Rugby Football Club is proud to announce the launch of their new, innovative Past Players society 'The Auld Blacks'.

The Club recognised that there is a vast pool of former players who might not have a focal point to stay in contact both with themselves and the activities of the club.

Through the ever increasing success of the club website it could be seen that there is significant interest in the Rugby Club and from this the "Auld Blacks" concept has evolved.

It is the vision of the "Auld Blacks" to develop into an integral part of the Club in terms of establishing and maintaining ties between not only former players but anyone who has contributed and been part of what is a cornerstone of Longford and the North Midlands sporting community - Longford Rugby Club.

Through the "Auld Blacks" the following key goals are hoped to be achieved:

• The formation of a LRFC Former Players Society.

• Re-Union activities throughout the year culminating in an annual function held on the day of a home Ireland Six Nations Fixture. This celebration will be based around a pre-match dinner in Dublin with guest speakers and awards ceremony, match tickets and an after match party back at the venue. 

• Every year the "Longford Rugby Auld Blacks" function will present awards in two categories -an induction to the Club's "Hall of Fame" for a former player and "Recognition of Service to LRFC" to a Club person recognised as having given exceptional service to the Club.
• Travel to both home and away LRFC fixtures.

• The provision of "Auld Blacks" merchandise/casual wear to include a new "Auld Blacks" Jersey each season, Polo Shirts, Ties etc.

• Monthly newsletter/e-zine with features to include updates on teams progress throughout the club, upcoming activities, a "where are they now?" interview with a former player, match reports and photography from the archives and much more!

Like all Rugby Clubs in Ireland but perhaps more so in relation to Junior Clubs like Longford, keeping the club running is an ongoing challenge which is not getting easier.

This is even more so compounded by today's very uncertain economic climate. However, the show must go on and all involved in the club are working doubly hard to ensure the club continues to perform both on and off the pitch.

To this end an ambitious redevelopment of the Club and its facilities has been put in place with work set to begin before the New Year. The Club is long overdue a facelift and as part of this the new plans include new changing rooms for both the Male and Female teams, a weights room, new showers and new modern Bar and Function facilities.

This development is crucial in maintaining the Club's position within the community and a cause very much worth supporting. It benefits players at all levels, members, parents and visitors alike.

To this end, any funds raised through "The Auld Blacks" will be channelled directly into the "Club Redevelopment Scheme".

The club primarily asks all former players to firstly become an "Auld Black" in order to be part of what is going to be a special way to keep in contact with your friends and former team mates as well as the club. After this it would be great to see each "Auld Black" to take part where possible in the events it organises throughout the year.

We are pleased to announce that the inaugural "Auld Blacks Awards" will take place on Saturday 20th March 2010 prior to Ireland's final Six Nations fixture at home to Scotland! The "Auld Blacks" have secured 400 match tickets which will become part of a day package as follows;

• 3 Course Luncheon held at the famous Round Room of the Mansion House in Dublin (circa 1pm).

• Event to be hosted by a prominent celebrity with 2 former Internationals representing Ireland and Scotland.

• Match Tickets (kick off 5pm).

• Post Match Party with Jazz Band and music late into the night

Details of the above function and information on how to join the "Auld Blacks" will be on the club website in the coming week. In the meantime the "Auld Blacks" are eager to hear from former members who would like to be part of the Rugby Club's innovative new concept.

E-Mail auldblacks@longfordrugby.com for more information. Alternatively write to "Auld Blacks Secretary" c/o Longford Rugby Club, The Demesne, Longford or call Mark Quinn 086-7700466 for more information. 

Pictured at the launch, Tommy Butler (secretary), Martin Maguire (President), Pat Fitzgerald (IRFU), Sean McGarry (Auld Blacks), Neil Halligan (PRO), Mark Quinn (Auld Blacks).