Energia AIL Wrap: Saturday’s win over UL Bohemians brought the curtain down on Nenagh’s best AIL season yet as the senior team took their record for the season to 18 played, 15 won and 13 bonus points to stamp their passport to Division 1B for next season. Unfortunately for their opponents on the day the minefield of the 2A/2B playoffs awaits, a tough ask as Nenagh will be all too aware from their brush with the trapdoor two seasons ago. At the very least they can look to Nenagh’s example for how quickly fortunes can turn when the right structures are put in place.

Credit for that must go to all in the club who have worked on getting the club’s player pathway working so efficiently in the past number of years. The work done with U6 players is just as important as the senior players and the most heartening stat out of the league success this year is that the overwhelming proportion of the squad have come through the club’s own development pathway. Another key piece of the puzzle was the establishment of the U20.5 team this season which is already bearing fruit with two more members of that squad; Frankie Butler and Robbie Tynan making their AIL debuts last Saturday, following in the path of at least 5 other squad members throughout the year. An AIL medal on top of a Donal Walsh Plate one is a rich reward for these players at such an early point in their playing journey.

The important thing now is that all in the club keep working and strive for even greater heights as we join the country’s elite in Division 1 rugby. One aspect of that will be seeing through the club’s ambitious development plans. This has been a tough process, with the horrendous weather endured all season putting the brakes on the installation of the 4G surface on the top pitch in Lisatunny and causing much disruption to the juvenile section in particular. Good things come to those who wait however and hopefully before long weather concerns will be much less of an issue for all members in NORFC.

Secondly and far more importantly will be the need to keep the supply lines humming, something which has been very successful in recent seasons. One needs to look no further than this week’s fixtures to see the great work that is being done at all levels of the club. Over the next 7 days the U13, U14, U16, U18.5 and U20.5 teams are all in playoff action, and final action in the case of the U16 and U18.5 teams. We encourage all those who support the club to get out in the next few days and witness the young talent making its way through the club in action.

It has been a great season but the promise of even more to come is the most heartening part of all. Well done to all who put in the graft each week, doing the unseen work that makes it all happen.

Split the Bucket: Congratulations to our most recent winner Angela Keyes. Our Split the Bucket Draw continues to hand out a minimum of €500 in prize money every week. This is our main fundraiser and supports the work of the club at all age levels. Go to nenaghormondrfc.com/products to enter and be in with a chance to win our next weekly jackpot.

Coldplay Fundraiser: Tickets to Coldplay in Croke Park this Summer are possibly the most sought after in the country right now. If you haven’t got one there’s still time to win two Premium tickets by entering our draw. For as little as €10 you could be in with the chance to win. Go to nenaghormondrfc.com/products where there are a range of entry options. Don’t miss out.

Fixtures:

U20.5: Nenagh vs Shannon. Weds 10 Apr @ 7.30pm (UL 4G)- NM Cup Semi- Final

U18.5: Nenagh vs Garryowen. 13 Apr @ TBC (Thomond Park)- Pan Munster Final

U16: Nenagh vs Shannon RFC. 14 Apr @ 11.30 (Coonagh)- NM League Final

U14: Nenagh vs Ballina- Killaloe. 14 Apr @ 12.00 (Clarisford)

U13: Nenagh vs St Senans RFC. 10 Apr @19.30 (Lisatunny)- NM Cup Semi- Final