A MESSAGE FROM CLUB CAPTAIN 2020/21
– STEPHEN O’NEILL
It is with great pleasure that I welcome visitors, officials and our ever loyal supporters to Lakelands Park for the rest of the season. My playing career in the club began at the tender age of four, and to be appointed as Club Captain for the 2020/2021 season is truly the greatest honour I could receive. Coming from a two sided Terenure College family ( O’Neill / Flannery ) and following in the footsteps of playing First XV rugby for the club after my Dad, Uncles and three brothers, makes it all the more special.
To see how much the Club has evolved over the years is testament to all the great work done by so many of our members. A special mention must go to Sandy Dunlop and his team, who put together the “Nure 2020 Vision” all those years ago. This time has now arrived and I would appeal to all players, at all levels, to make a big effort to help fulfil the aspirations laid down in this amazing endeavour.
A special mention to our coaches and wider management team, Sean Skehan, Conor Gildea, Simon Malone, Jack O’Brien, Ri Elers, Marc Hiney, Mark Hamilton, Brian Elliott, Alex Byrne, Arthur Fitzpatrick, Michael Henry-Hayes, Chris Byrne, Paddy ‘Rala’ O’Reilly, David Durkin, Brian Fitzgerald, Michael Creagh, Richie McDonald for the incredible work they put in, to help mould this pool of players into a team worthy of being Division 1A contenders.
Another great Terenure stalwart, so worthy of mention is the selfless Dr Bill Twomey, who has given so much of his time and support to the teams over the years. Many many thanks Bill.
I would also like to extend our deep appreciation to all our sponsors. In particular, our main sponsors Mr. David Bobbett of H&K International, Sherry Fitzgerald and Dundrum Town Centre. You have all played a significant role in the recent growth and achievements within our club and we are proud to have you as partners of Terenure College Rugby Football Club.
On a personal level I would also like to thank our outgoing President, Paul Murphy and Captain, Patrick Thornton for all their sterling work throughout a very difficult season and to offer my full support to incoming President, Marty Doyle and Vice President, Tom D’Arcy
Winning the Energia AIL this season is our sole focus and to achieve it with players from all four provinces would be truly amazing.
Finally, thank you to the supporters. You have followed us around the country in hail, rain or snow and helped us get over the line, many a time, in games. Your support cannot be underestimated and is greatly appreciated by all the squad members. I can’t promise that we will win every game this season but I can promise we will try – and hopefully provide some entertaining rugby along the way. I hope we can make each and every one of you proud this coming season. As another season begins, let’s make this the best one yet!
Yours in rugby,
Stevie
Stephen O’Neill
Club Captain 2020/2021
