The new facilities were officially opened by Tony O’Beirne, IRFU President, in front of a large gathering of club members, players, former players, families, supporters, volunteers, sponsors and guests, including Youghal RFC who traveled for a friendly game to mark the occasion.
The occasion also saw Tom Horkan, President of Connacht Rugby, join the official ceremony on stage, reflecting the strong relationship between Monivea RFC and the provincial and national rugby organisations.
The club was also delighted to welcome Paul Casserly, Chairperson of Connacht Rugby’s Club & Community Rugby Committee, and Joe Gorham, Domestic Rugby Manager with Connacht Rugby.
For Monivea RFC, the new clubhouse represents the culmination of a huge community effort and an ambitious vision for the future.
Club Chairperson Enda Keehan said the opening was a significant milestone for everyone involved.
“The official opening of our new clubhouse and spectator stand marks a significant milestone in the proud history of Monivea RFC. It is also a special moment for the many committee members and volunteers whose dedication, commitment and hard work helped make this achievement possible.”
He said the club was deeply grateful to the Sports Capital Programme and the IRFU for their significant support, as well as to the sponsors, businesses, members, volunteers and everyone who contributed to the project.
“This was an ambitious project, but we have no intention of stopping here,” said Keehan. “We are proud of what has been achieved, but we also have ambition for the next ten years and beyond.”
Club President Carmel Laheen said the opening was ultimately about people.
“A clubhouse is more than a building. It is where people meet, friendships are formed, victories are celebrated, stories are shared and, inevitably, where a few rugby arguments are settled! Most importantly, it is a place that brings people together.”
She said the club was delighted to see so many people attend and celebrate the occasion.
“From our youngest players to former players, families, supporters, volunteers and friends of the club, today is about everyone who makes Monivea RFC what it is. Our new facilities give us a wonderful home for the present and a strong foundation for the future.”
In officially opening the facilities, Tony O’Beirne, President of the IRFU, highlighted the vital role of grassroots clubs in providing opportunities for young people, building community and creating pathways for players to develop within the game.
That pathway was represented perfectly on the day by Caolin Blade, who began his rugby journey with Monivea RFC before progressing through the Connacht pathway and Academy and ultimately earning four Ireland caps.
Blade made a particularly special contribution to the new clubhouse by donating the first jersey he wore when he earned his first Ireland cap. The jersey will hang proudly in the new clubhouse as an inspiration to the next generation of Monivea players.
His journey follows a strong tradition at the club, with players including Jimmy Screene, Cathal Fleming, Pat McGrath, Niall O’Brien, Conor Kindregan, Fearghus Farrell, Aidan Poinard and Finan Murray going on to represent Connacht and/or Ireland at various levels.
The club’s pathway continues today, with Monivea and Gort/Monivea players represented across Connacht age-grade squads. Today that pathway remains alive, with Monivea and Gort/Monivea players currently represented in Connacht age-grade squads, including Shane Lally, Joseph Moloney, Danny Croxford, Lori Tierney, Cian Herbert, Cairínn Kearns, Holly Meehan and Anna Cooley.
The celebrations continued on the pitch with Youghal RFC travelling to Monivea for a special opening friendly game. In a fitting finale to the day, the two sides produced an entertaining 36–36 draw.
The club also welcomed and thanked Deputy Louis O’Hara TD, Deputy Pete Roche TD, Deputy Albert Dolan TD, Minister of State Seán Canney TD and Councillor David Collins, along with representatives of the IRFU, Connacht Rugby and the wider community.
Most importantly, Monivea RFC was delighted to see so many families, players, former players, supporters, volunteers and members of the community come through the gates to celebrate the opening.
The day was a celebration of what has been achieved, but also a statement of intent for what comes next.