Clondalkin’s Celtic Tiger

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Recession, decline and downturn are words that are dominating headlines and conversations around Ireland at the moment unless you frequent Clondalkin Rugby Football Club that is.

Like most Clon might be feeling a financial pinch this year but when it comes to playing numbers they are experiencing nothing more than a boom. In fact over the last two years they have broken personal playing number records with the same regularity as Usain Bolt has World Records.

After fielding a third team in league action for the first time in 20 years last term and a women’s team for the first time this term, Clon once again broke new ground when they had four senior men’s teams competing in the same weekend last weekend.

History was made last Saurday as the Clon team that took to the field against Malahide was there first every competitive fourth string- outside of cup action-to ever wear the crest.

Unfortunately unlike the women’s team they couldn’t mark occasion with a victory but they faired well and did the club proud nonetheless.

“It is a testament to all involved on the committee and coaching staff that we are able to field four teams. The fourth team is open to everyone, we had some first timers, some golden oldies and some recent underage graduates in the side. I think this team can do the club a great service. But as one elder statesman, Paul Gifford put it ‘It doesn’t matter what team you play for what matters is that you are wearing the Clondalkin crest’ and that is the attitude we will adopt all year.” Fourth team captain Jonathan Stapleton said after the game.

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Added by Murts October 21, 2009 (7:21PM)

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