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J3 Season Review  2009-10

The J3's Season 2009 - 2010 was a season filled with highs and lows.  I would like to thank all involved with the squad.  A massive thank you to Manager Ray Kavanagh for all his tireless work throughout the year attending every meeting and game and making sure the guys had everything they could ask for; David McGahan (when he got back on his feet and before his little fall) and also Willie McDonald who put in a lot of work at the start of the season.  I like to think the lads all finished off on a positive note by the end of the season with the focus set for a solid J3 structure and a league win for 2010 - 2011.  The boys finished a respectable 4^th in the Leinster League J3 – “Section A” having played 14 games, winning 6 and losing 8.  The team at the start of the year was captained by Niall Gallagher but due to work commitments he had to step down (but always said that if he was needed he would be available to play).  The experienced and loyal Paddy Moyles stepped up to the plate to replace him.  It was tough to get a set team in place due to injuries, work, etc causing major selection issues, but a core focus of dedicated guys played each Friday for the J3’s with pride.

Once again the J3’s were sat in a hard group facing old rivals Terenure, St.Mary’s, Greystones, Barnhall, Lansdowne, Suttonians and Monkstown.  The league and cup were not to be ours even though there was a solid finish to the league and with some fine play by many players throughout the year.  Many players that stood out in my eyes, during the year, I am very happy to see back down again this season and eager to get that ever elusive J3 league title back to Old Belvedere RFC.

It will be another tough season but I am sure it will all be worth it at the end.  I would like to also thank other people behind the scenes: namely Steve O’Leary (Head of Junior Rugby OBRFC) for being the glue that bound us all together and for always helping out when needed.  Thanks as well to Mike and Tommy as well for letting the guys dig out for the J3’s when needed and supporting us at games. 

Finally, I would like to say thanks to our ex-President Dave Hargaden for the support shown throughout the last season and always showing great interest in Junior Rugby and last, but not least, all the established members that gave great advice and support during the year.

Here’s to another great year for Old Belvedere RFC at all levels.

Jonathan Sharkey