IRFU president to attend Castlebar Rugby Club's 140th anniversary celebrations

Declan Madden, President of the Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU), will be the distinguished guest at a major sporting and social day at Castlebar Rugby Club on Saturday, May 3.

Mr Madden, who was elected the 135th president of the IRFU last August, accepted the local rugby club’s invitation to be part of its 140th anniversary celebrations.

The club’s membership is busy putting the final details in place for what promises to be a very enjoyable day.

Events begin at 1 p.m. with the official opening by Mr Madden of the club’s new spectators’ stand.

Rugby fans will then be treated to a quality contest when the Connacht Juniors take on their Ulster counterparts in the second round of the IRFU’s Junior Men’s Interprovincial series. Kick off for the match is at 2.30pm.

The hosting of the event at Cloondeash is seen as a deserved vote of confidence in the top-class facilities available at the Castlebar club.

The clubhouse will be open all day and past members and players are being encouraged to call out to Cloondeash to meet old friends.

Mr. Madden will be the main speaker at an evening meal beginning at 8 p.m. at Cloondeash, which will be followed by the club’s annual awards night and live music.

Tickets for the evening event are available from club members and by emailing rfccastlebar@gmail.com or contacting club secretary Noel Campbell on 0879857892.

Castlebar Rugby Club president Kevin McGing believes the full day of events will showcase the club and its proud history.

"It will be an honour to welcome Declan Madden to Castlebar. Our town has a thriving sporting scene and we in Castlebar Rugby Club are delighted to be able to advertise that fact and to celebrate our club’s achievements on May 3."

Castlebar Rugby Club will be announcing further events taking place this year as part of its 140th anniversary celebrations.