And then there was 3

Article by Jonny Stapleton.

It might surprise most but unlike the rest of the globe all the talk in Clondalkin Rugby Club is of revival rather than recession.

The working class club have not discovered a solution to the world’s economic down turn, but are in fact referring to a rugby revival.

For the first time in decades the club have had over 50 bodies attending training session on both Tuesdays and Thursday. And as a result of the improved numbers the committee have decided to register a league third team in for the first time in 20 years.

The thirds, who have become affectionately known as the Saturday first team, played together for the first time in a friendly win over CYM recently and rather than struggle to field, struggled to give everyone a game. The Saturday outfit was initially set up as a fun side that would also facilitate youth development, but with the quality now at their disposal could well target league and cup honours.

In their inaugural tie they had one of the clubs all time greats, Eamon Stapleton, the clubs all time leading scorer Paul Fitzgerald and the clubs youngest legend Ray Kelly at their disposal as well as Spencer Cup winners Brendan Ward and Paul Sexton.

At this rate a fourth team could be on the Clondalkin agenda.

Back Row: Frank Lynam (Vice Captain), Mark Quinlan, Colum O'Doherty, Darach Finegan, Mick O'Brien, Paul Fitzgerald, Andy Tyndall, Shrek, John Stapleton (Manager).
Front Row: Ciaran Jones, Eamonn Stapleton, Paul Sexton, Chris Gunning, Ray Kelly, Simon Commiskey, Conor McAuley

Added by Murts October 8, 2008 (2:09PM)

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