St Mary's College RFC Yearbook 2020-21

MESSAGE FROM THE
PRESIDENT OF THE IRFU
It is my privilege as President of the Irish Rugby Football Union
to extend my best wishes to St. Mary’s College RFC for the
2020-’21 season.
Clubs earned the right to complete pre-season and stage
competitive fixtures in September and October by putting
the safety of members at the heart of their operations. This
season will be like no other, but the reputation of
community spirit in clubs and their importance as a vital
outlet for health and well-being has only been enhanced.
I congratulate the clubs of Ireland whose players and
members – male and female – valiantly played their part
in holding the line against a deadly virus.
I also commend the clubs for their supportive role in
consultation with the IRFU in bringing about the agreed modified
programme for the 2020/’21 season in which player welfare and
COVID-19 risk mitigation were the main considerations. The
pandemic has impacted greatly on our clubs – on and off the
pitch – and the Union demonstrated its backing by its support,
including the allocation of monies provided by the Government.
While the principal spotlight of our game focuses on our National
and Provincial teams, the IRFU’s resolve for the well being of
men’s and women’s club fare is evidenced in the various
initiatives put in place to help increase the vibrancy of the club
scene, of which this season’s one-off modified structure is an
example.
After extensive consultation with the clubs I believe a most
attractive and novel competitive fixtures pre-programme
emerged across the men’s and women’s game which saw the
creation of the Energia Community Series. In keeping rugby
local, we have given ourselves every chance of completing a
successful season.
Meantime, I outline the gratitude of the IRFU to Energia, the
official energy partner to Irish rugby, highlighted by title
sponsorship of the men’s and women’s All-Ireland League
competitions.
DES KAVANAGH
President, Irish Rugby Football Union, 2020-2021
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