On Friday, 26th May, players, coaches, and supporters got together to celebrate another exciting season for Blackrock College RFC. The evening kicked off with a few rounds of tag rugby, followed by a good old-fashioned BBQ--then onto the awards. Around XXXX came out to applaud for some of the stars from our 2022/23 season.
The winners for the awards were selected by players, supporters and coaches.
Here were the winners from the night:
Men's 1st XV: Peter Quirke
Women's 1st XV: Beth Cretan
Men's 2nd XV: John Kirby
Women's 2nd XV: Mairead Ní Chathasaigh
Men's 3rd XV: Craig 'Gronk' Lynch
U20's XV: Spencer O'Hara
Women's Young Player: Alanna Fitzpatrick
Men's Players' Player: Peter Quirke
Women's Players' Player: Mairead Holohan
Coach: Ben Martin
Manager: Amy McKenna
Supporter: Jim Drew
Supporters Player of the Year (SPOTY): Brian Colclough
There were a couple of extra special awards given that night as well.
The Rosa Kelly Memorial Trophy is awarded to a young player in the club who has shown great commitment to the club. This year's recipient is Matthew McCarthy. Matthew excelled on the pitch, and when he wasn't playing, he was working tirelessly behind the bar. He also scored a superb solo try in the Harry Gale Final.
The Union Shield is awarded to a volunteer in the club who has gone above and beyond in their dedication to the club. This year's recipient is the Senior Men's assistant manager Ian Connaughton. Ian has gone above and beyond in his duties time and time again this season. He is an integral part of the Men's senior squad and a valued member of the club.
The Sue Garden Bachop Trailblazer Trophy is a new award this year. It will be given to a member who exemplifies the same trailblazer qualities as Sue Garden Bachop, a player in the first Women's Blackrock College RFC match and a catalyst in setting up the Irish Women’s Rugby Football Union. The first recipient of this inaugural award is Michelle Claffey, Women's Co-Club Captain, who is retiring this season.
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