Message for the 203/14 season from Ciaran Daly, President of De La Salle Palmerston FC
Welcome to the website of De La Salle Palmerston FC. I hope you find it a useful source of information and news about the club and rugby generally during the coming season. In addition, you can also follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/pages/De-La-Salle-Palmerston-FC and Twitter (@dlspfcrugby).
It is a great honour and privilege to have been elected President of DLSP for 2013/14 and as such I extend to everyone a very warm welcome to Kirwan Park.
To our visitors and visiting teams, I hope you enjoy your time at our Club.
In particular, I wish our Club Captain, Keith Taite and the first team, together with our new Coaches, Phil De Barra and Victor Ball the best of luck in the Ulster Bank All Ireland League. I realise that Director of Rugby, Conor McCormick, has another busy season ahead fielding teams from J1s to J5s, Under 20s as well as the firsts. Our Mini/Youth Chairman, Michael Nugent will also be busy organising teams from Under 6s to Under 19. Once again, the very best of luck to all concerned.
I began my time with our club at senior under 6’s when my son Leon joined the club back about 12 years ago. Then we had a few hundred mini youth players in that section. I felt the community spirit in our club from day one and I have enjoyed seeing it grow in all sections of the club over the years. So many people volunteering in so many sections. Now, as always we have our first XV, but we will have participation at three junior level adult teams a renewed team at under 20, almost 500 members at mini and youth, Tippers, Pandas, and our very own Eagles starting their third season at Kirwan Park. So many players but with so many coaches, team managers, administrators, referees, grounds men, catering, bar, club shop and club management. All pulling together to support our players and keep our club the vibrant centre of rugby in Kilternan that we are very proud of.
Our club was recognised with the IRFU club excellence award last season and we have worked hard with the help of the Leinster branch of the IRFU to continue to promote excellence in practice at our club. The Award has been developed by the Irish Rugby Football Union to celebrate and promote best practice in, on & off pitch management of a Rugby Club. To achieve the IRFU Club Excellence Award, a club must demonstrate that it has established above average standards in the areas of Club Operation: Rugby Development, Club Management, Child Protection, Volunteer Management, Community Engagement and Health & Safety. So many little things that need doing on a season basis that do not happen on their own.
Recently we had a very successful summer camp ran by the Leinster branch for local young players and Leinsters very own Brian O’Driscoll and Fergus McFadden were on hand to oversee events and pass on their knowledge to a very grateful crew of budding Ireland players.
In order to survive, the Club needs revenue. In these extremely difficult economic times, I would like to express the Club’s sincere appreciation and gratitude to all those who continue to support us financially in whatever way. I strongly appeal to all members and supporters to assist in all club fundraising activities during the coming season including some new (and fun!!) initiatives. Why not encourage any lapsed members you may know to come back to the Club and rekindle old friendships? In addition, if you are planning a celebration or function, please remember the fine facilities available in our clubhouse. Gerry Doyle is always on hand to offer a great service.
Finally, I look forward to a great and enjoyable season ahead, both on and off the pitch, and I hope we all work well together for the betterment of rugby and De La Salle Palmerston FC.
Best Wishes
Ciaran Daly
President
De La Salle Palmerston FC