Sunday’s final in Dooradoyle for our all conquering U 13 team brought the curtain down on the 2023/24 playing season for Nenagh Ormond in the most fitting of ways. While the historic achievement of the club’s senior team in graduating to Division 1B of the Energia AIL, and with it a place in country’s top 20 club rugby sides, will garner most of the headlines, adding yet another honour to the club’s list of underage successes in recent times in many ways says more about the club’s work on a wider scale. Starting from U7s, the work of the club’s mini section, leading on to the underage section and full pitch rugby from U 13 onwards is the real heart of what is becoming a very productive player pathway in the club right now. A quick glance at the list of names in the successful senior squad this year and the sheer number of players you will find that have come through this pathway demonstrates very clearly how quickly the work at underage levels pays dividends at adult level. It is absolutely fantastic to be marking the end of another season where silverware has been brought back to Lisatunny at U13, U16, U18.5, U20.5 and Senior Level. Having such a broad span of age groups being successful points at a system that is functioning well and sustainably. Even more pleasing though are the rapidly growing playing numbers participating at all age groups. Teams up to U13 do not compete in formal competitions but the number of players lining out at weekly blitzes which offer meaningful game time and participation to all players, give them incredible social opportunities and scope to improve the player’s physical and mental wellbeing is without doubt the most pleasing aspect of the club’s work right now. There quite simply is no better time for the club to be investing in the future proofing of its facilities, to ensure this work continues, and to broaden out to offer greater offerings in areas like girls and womens rugby which thankfully are back in action in recent times.

To all who have contributed to the work of the club this year, far too many to name individually, a sincere thanks for your dedication, generosity of time and volunteer spirit. Without you the club would not be what it is and what it hopes to continue to be long into the future. Well done one and all.