CLUB AND TEAM CAPTAINS – SEASON 2015/16
Club and 1st XV Captain – Nigel Barker
Nigel has been playing at the Dee for the past eight years and operates in the centre and out-half although he is a more than useful 9 or 15 when the situation demands. In what will be a hugely popular appointment Nigel has been an ever-present in the success the Dee have enjoyed in recent years in the Qualifying league, Junior, Towns and All Ireland Junior Cups and, although his season was cut short by injury last term, he will hope to hit the ground running in August and lead the 1st XV to promotion. Commenting on his appointment Nigel said “It is a huge honour for me to have been appointed to lead Donaghadee RFC as Club & 1st XV Captain and I am confident – given the quality of the new coaching team in place and the players we have coming in – that a successful season lies ahead”.
2nd XV Co-Captains – Stephen Cullen & Davy Kirkpatrick
Stephen Cullen reprises his successful leadership of the 2nd XV last season when promotion was gained to Junior III and he will share the burden with Davy Kirkpatrick who, although only joining the Club last season, has impressed all with his skill and enthusiasm both on and off the park.
3rd XV Captain – Andy Monson
Andy Monson will lead the 3rd XV this season and will hope to improve upon the least term’s success both on and off the field when, as well all fixtures being fulfilled, the side finished third in Minor League East and brought the Butler Shield back to the Dee.
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
The 130th AGM of the Club took place last Thursday night at Donaldson Park and the following were elected to serve on Club Council for the 2015/16 season:
Chairman: Stephen Quinn
Vice-Chairman: Bertie Bell
Hon. Sec: Jim Lyttle
Asst. Hon. Sec.: Stuart Thompson
Hon. Treasurer: Bertie Bell
Director of Rugby: Chris Good
Fixtures Sec: Francis Porter
Council members: Bill Allen Wesley Martin
Niall Moraghan Paul Blewitt
Peter Matthews Jonny Ballagh
Ian Fleming Mark Cooper
Roy Butler Garth Bennett
SUMMER & PRE-SEASON TRAINING
At the moment there is non-compulsory training at the moment happening at Donaldson Park every Tuesday and Thursday at 7pm and selected times on Saturdays when different venues for each session are decided by the coaching staff (plus keep an eye on the Club Facebook Page for any changes in midweek venues. In addition there is also social touch rugby at 7pm on Thursdays. Pre-season officially starts on Tuesday 14th July at 7pm so, even if you are not involved at the moment, clear the decks for July week.
GET INVOLVED AT THE DEE
Donaghadee RFC 1st XV play in Kukri Qualifying Two and have enjoyed no little success over recent years winning the Millar McCall Wylie Junior Cup in 2011, qualifying for the prestigious All Ireland Junior Cup in two out of the past four seasons, winning Conference League One in 2012/13, reaching the final of the 2014 Powerade Towns Cup losing narrowly to 2013/14 Qualifying One winners Clogher Valley and reached the semi-final of the same competition in 2014/15. The Club is not just about 1st XV success and has three adult teams playing every Saturday during the rugby season. Last season the 2nd XV gained promotion to Junior League 3 and the 3rd XV won the Butler Shield. We are always open to new recruits. Those who have maybe played a bit at school and are looking for some social rugby are welcome as well as total newcomers to the sport or indeed those who are after a change of scenery. Our Club is renowned for its hospitality and social atmosphere… and the rugby isn’t bad either. If you would like to play at the Club please contact Director of Rugby Chris Good, Head Coach Graham Cloke, Assistant Coach John West or any of the team Captains. In addition to adult mens’ rugby the Club also offers Mini Rugby (contact Niall Moraghan) or Disability Needs Rugby via the Seaside Sharkies (contact Kerry Kennedy). In the last season the Club has developed Youth Rugby via their CCRO Guy McManus so if you are between the ages of 11 and 17 and would like to get involved in age-grade rugby at the Dee please contact Guy.
