Wow what an achievement as we claimed the Connacht rugby club of the year at the Connacht rugby awards dinner in the Connemara Coast hotel on Saturday night last. We are all absolutely delighted and thrilled as the win was unexpected.(Left: John Carr president of the IRFU, Connacht Branch presenting Claremorris RFC chairman Fergal Leonard with the Connacht Rugby Club of the Year)

The Clarmorris RFC chairman Fergal Leonard echoed these thoughts when saying “This is an award for all who have put so much effort into the club since we began in 2009. A huge thanks and well done to all players, parents, coaches, the people who made sure players had lifts to game, the people who help us on home blitz days, those who help with fundraising, those who help out with Tag rugby, the list is endless. We thank you ALL who have helped in so many different ways since we came into existence”.

The help and support the have club gotten from the town of Claremorris and the surrounding areas has been fantastic. As the club begin our pitch development fundraising we will need even more support from you all which I have no doubt we will get in spades. It is great to see everybody’s hard work recognised with this award and although I was unable to make the trip to the Connemara coast hotel I was left in no doubt by those who were there that the win was celebrated in style.

Left: Connacht Rugby Head Coach Eric Elwood with Clarmorris RFC members Micheal Toughey, Andy Maxwell, Eddie McLoughin, Cróna Esler, Fergal Leonard & Tony Keane on Saturday night, missing from the photo are other committee members Pearse Hahessy, Kevin O’Malley & Paul Cunnane.