Young rugby players shine
Awards ceremony follows successful season
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Ciara Fielding presenting the Club Spirit of Rugby Award to Mark O'Leary.Image 2 of 6
Ryan O’Neill, Tommy Whelan and Josh Devlin who have been selected for the Munster Rugby Summer Programme.Image 3 of 6
U12 years award recipients, Robert Long, Andrew Duggan and Matthew O'Leary with Joss Hanrahan Hier, Andrew Whelan and Mark O'Leary.Image 4 of 6
Matt Oakley, Callum Guiry, Jake O'Mara, Mike Finn and Bobby Sexton after the presentation of the player awards to the U14 years team.Image 5 of 6
At the presentation of the player awards to the Under 16's, John Crofton, Kyle Gow, and Ryan O' Neill are Henry O'Neill, Gaylord Harvey, Paul O'Gorman, Niall Deegan and James Jones.Image 6 of 6
U18s Senan Ryan and Eoghan Browne after being presented with their awards with Tom Clifford, team manager.A milestone for scores of promising young rugby players has been celebrated at a hugely successful inaugural end-of-season awards night.
Eight teams, spanning ages from the young Leprechauns to those in their late teens, turned out immaculate dressed in the club code wearing their white shirts, green ties and white tops to celebrate an amazing season and to tell the story that is the growing success of Newport RFC.
Well before the appointed starting time the players were steadily filing into their places at the Community Centre, Newport to reflect on a great season for the development of the sport in the area.
In her words of welcome, chairperson, Ciara Fielding described it as “profound honour to celebrate the remarkable achievements of our teams and the individual and team milestones that have marked this season”.
She added: “This year, we have seen incredible displays of sportsmanship, teamwork, and sheer determination on the field. Our players have not only grown in skill but also in character, embodying the true spirit of rugby which is much more than just a game; it's a way of life.”
She added: “You have made us all so proud by your hard work at training, your enthusiasm during matches, and your ability to bounce back from setbacks have been nothing short of inspiring. Tonight, we celebrate not just the victories, but the effort, the friendships, and the memories we've created together this season.”
The Leprechauns under their leader, Tom Ryan, and the U9s coached by Dave Johnstone were presented with their medals, while awards for the Player of the Year, the Most Improved Player of the Year and the Club Person of the Year were the order of the evening for each of the other teams with all players being presented with a bootbag courtesy of sponsor, MTech Group.
Three “remarkable young men”, Tommy Whelan, Josh Devlin and Ryan O’Neill received mementoes in recognition of their selection to the Munster Rugby Summer Programme.
Jimmy McInerney received a plaque of recognition for this work as grounds man and the prestigious Club Spirit of Rugby Award was presented to Mark O'Leary, who contribution to the club encompasses everything that is the spirit of the sport.
The team award recipients were - U12s
Player of the Year: Robert Long
Most improved Player: Andrew Duggan
Clubman of the Year: Matthew O’Leary.
U14s
Player of the Year: Mike Finn
Most improved Player: Jake O’Mara
Clubman of the Year: Callum Giuiry
U16s
Player of the Year: Ryan O’Neill
Most improved Player: Kyle Gow
Clubman of the Year: John Crofton
U18.5s
Player of the Year: Senan Ryan
Players player of the Year: Eoghan Browne