Clondalkin Celebrate Trophy Hat-Trick
Three proved to be the magic number for Clondalkin Rugby Club recently as they lifted a record three cups in five whirlwind days.
Clondalkin RFC enjoyed a final feast and collected silverware in the Towns Plate, Lawlor Cup and Speirs Cup with victories on Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday.
The final festival was a fitting end to what proved to be a record breaking season as the County Dublin club’s first, second and fourth strings completed a memorable hat-trick.
The Clondalkin first team inflicted defeat on North Kildare for the third time this term to claim their first ever Towns Plate, and the seconds emerged victorious over Portlaoise in a dogged decider.
And last but certainly by no means least, Paddy Lawlor converted with the last kick of the game to complete a Lazarus-style comeback for the fourths.
Lawlor showed nerves of steel to slot over from the 22-metre line and inflict a single-point defeat on Naas in front of a massive crowd which included Leinster and Ireland star Jamie Heaslip.
Clondalkin club captain Dan Fitzpatrick said: “It is beyond brilliant. It is amazing but it’s well deserved. The work that has been put from the coaches, committee and players has been immense this season.
“The players got the medals but these wins mean a lot for a lot of people. We have broken so many records this year and that doesn’t happen without a mammoth effort.
“I know the other captains said there were too many people to thank but they were delighted with the level of support for each of the finals.
“Hundreds turned up for each decider and that just shows the atmosphere in the club at present. We will go away and enjoy these victories now, but will be back ready to do it all and more again next year,” he added, as he reflected on the Gordon Park outfit’s tremendous run.
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