The latest installment in our section devoted to promoting every club in Ulster – this time its Ballyclare and this short review with a link to their website will also stay in our club features section indefinitely.
BALLYCLARE RUGBY FOOTBALL CLUB
1949 – PRESENT
Ballyclare Rugby Football Club was formed on 20th May 1949 although the game was played in the early years of the century – in the twenties, a team existed when jerseys cost half-crown each! Two founder members continue to be involved – J D Moore and J Coulter.
The growth of the club has been quite remarkable culminating with excellent grounds and a clubhouse (provided by the Old Ballyclarians Association) which rates as one of the best in Ulster.
The development of the complex at the Cloughan has taken many years and great efforts by men who want to see the very best for Ballyclare RFC.
The Club currently operates with six senior teams, a youth section and a very strong mini-rugby section. The shop-window has to be the 1st XV which had been in the top section (Qualifying League 1) of Ulster rugby along with Coleraine RFC longer than any other club. While much of the Nineties may not have seen the success of the Seventies and early Eighties, the 1997-98 season showed that Ballyclare can compete with the very best.
CLICK HERE FOR THE BALLYCLARE RUGBY CLUB WEBSITE WHICK GIVES A FANTASTIC OVERVIEW OF THE CLUB IN DETAIL – A REALLY SUPERB SITE WORTH BOOKMARKING
BALLYCLARE RUGBY FOOTBALL CLUB, THE CLOUGHAN
With a setting of 38 acres lying within County Antrims picturesque six mile valley Ballyclare Rugby Club boasts one of the finest grounds in all of Ulster Rugby. We have four full size playing pitches and a fully floodlit training area for rugby. A fully floodlit hockey pitch and a separate cricket square currently used and maintained by our affiliate club – Templepatrick Cricket Club.
The clubhouse is equipped with 6 male changing rooms and a private referees changing room with showering facilities.
The ladies changing area is also fully equipped with private showering facilities and room for four teams to change in comfort.
The club shop, secretary’s office, ladies and gents toilets and fitness suite complete the ground floor accommodation.
Ballyclare Rugby Club is available for HIRE for all
private functions
weddings
birthday parties (no 18th or 21st birthday parties unless Club Member)
dinners
meetings and gatherings
The function hall is available to hire, holding 150 – 200 guests, for smaller functions the bar itself can be hired out on Friday or Saturday evenings depending on availablity, better suited for smaller crowds of 30 – 80.
The cost of hire will vary depending on the size and nature of the function!
The use of the kitchen facilities is available, using the ovens, grills etc.
Late Liciences are available with a min of one week notice required.
Late liciences extend the bar opening times to 1.00am, with the club premises cleared by 1.30am.
The club opening hours are Tues, Wed, Thurs 7.00pm to 11.00pm, Sat 1.00pm to 11.00pm, the club can be opened
on a Friday night for a pre booked function or special occasion!
We welcome enquiries for use of the facilities and you can contact us at info@ballyclarerfc.co.uk or call +44 (0)28 9332 3294 to book a function/great night.
CLUB HONOURS
1955 – Junior Cup Final
1969 – McCambley Cup (3rd XV)
1973 – Towns Cup Final
1974 – McCambley Cup Final (3rd XV)
1976 – Towns Cup
1977 – All-Ireland Junior Championship
1978 – Towns Cup
All-Ireland Junior Championship
1980 – Forster Cup Final (3rd XV)
Towns Cup
Crawford Cup Final (2nd XV)
1986 – Towns Cup
1989 – Junior Cup
Wells Knutty Crust Floodlit Trophy
1991 – Forster Cup Final (4th XV)
1992 – Towns Cup Final
1993 – Forster Cup
Harden Cup (4th XV)
1994 – Towns Cup Final
1997 – Holland Trophy (U18)
1998 – Bank of Ireland Trophy Final
1999 – Crawford Cup (2nd XV)
McCambley Cup Final (5th XV)
2000 – Crawford Cup (2nd XV)
All-Ireland Junior Championship semi-final (2nd XV)
Crawford Cup Final (3rd XV)
2001 – Crawford Cup (2nd XV)
All-Ireland Junior Championship quarter-final (2nd XV)
2002 – Junior Cup
Crawford Cup (2nd XV)
2004 – Towns Cup
2006 – Knutty Crust Floodlit Trophy
2007 – Ulster U18 Bowmam Cup
Ravenhill Cup (4th XV)
