Lions legend and familiar faces help Loughrea Rugby Club to mark centenary in style
Loughrea Rugby Club celebrated its 100th anniversary in style with a black-tie dinner dance in the Meadow Court Hotel – a tremendous success, with over 260 people in attendance.
Among the distinguished guests on the night were IRFU President and former Ireland and Connacht forward Dr. John O'Driscoll, former Ireland and Lions captain Ciaran Fitzgerald, former Ireland Women’s star Ailsa Hughes.
The club was honoured to have Ciaran Fitzgerald in attendance, in particular – the only Galway man to captain both Ireland and the Lions is a near-neighbour from Ballinasloe who learned his skills in Garbally College.
He captained Ireland to the Triple Crown in 1982 and 1985, and the Five Nations Championship in 1983, captaining the Lions on tour that same year.
After the conclusion of his playing career, he also served as coach of the national team.
Ailsa Hughes from Tullamore has made twelve appearances in the green jersey of Ireland. The scrum-half who plays her club rugby with Railway Union and Leinster, started out with her hometown Tullamore RFC.
She also won All-Ireland Minor B and Intermediate medals with Offaly camogie before concentrating on rugby. She is now a development officer for the Offaly Sports Partnership.
Also present were former IRFU President Gerry O'Shea and former Connacht Rugby Presidents John Carr and Padraig Moran, along with Tom Horkin, senior vice president of Connacht Rugby, and Loughrea Parish Priest, Monsignor Cathal Geraghty.
The guest speaker was Paddy Reilly, former Connacht player and coach and a native of Woodford.
The evening was made even more special by the presence of many past and present senior players, some of whom had not met in over 30 years. It was wonderful to see them reunited, sharing memories and celebrating together.
Equally special was the strong presence of young players on the night, alongside the coaches, referees, and managers who support them.
Seeing so many generations come together under one roof highlighted the strength of the club and reinforced that Loughrea Rugby Club is in a positive place with a bright future ahead.
Guests danced the night away to the music of the Keith McDonald Showband into the early hours, creating an atmosphere full of joy and camaraderie.
During the evening, Paddy Sweeney presented the club's five year-master plan, which includes significant developments and renovations to the club's facilities. The plan was very well received and generated great enthusiasm among those in attendance.
Club President Cathal Spellman and Vice-President Seamus Clancy extended their thanks to everyone who attended, with a special mention to those who travelled as far afield as California, New York and Kenya.
They also warmly acknowledged and expressed their gratitude to all who contributed throughout the year to making the club's 100th anniversary celebrations such a memorable and successful occasion.
A fantastic night, thoroughly enjoyed by everyone.