'Keeping a great legacy alive for future generations'

Mullingar Rugby Club President Ciaran Murtagh has noted the significance of this their centenary year and he was quick to pay tribute to the club’s founding fathers and all who have contributed to the growth and development of the club over the course of the last 100 years.

Speaking at the club's Centenary Ball in the Mullingar Park Hotel on Sunday, February 2, Mr Murtagh said the core values of rugby - respect enjoyment, discipline, inclusivity and teamwork - have been pivotal to the consolidation and growth of the club.

The president paid tribute to those who have helped shape Mullingar Rugby Club and build it to what it is today. He spoke of how the club has become a “field of dreams” and emphasised the responsibility to keep the legacy alive for future generations.

On St Brigid’s Bank Holiday weekend, Mullingar Rugby Club marked the historic milestone with a spectacular evening of celebration that proved eagerly anticipated among the many club enthusiasts in the community. The sold-out event, attended by 550 people, was a night of nostalgia, pride, and celebration, honouring the club’s incredible journey over the past century.

From the moment guests arrived, the atmosphere was electric. A champagne reception, accompanied by the soulful sounds of the 20-piece River Street Swing Band, set the tone for an elegant evening. The highlight of the night came early, with the premiere of "Mullingar Rugby Club: The Movie", an emotional and inspiring documentary produced by award-winning local filmmaker Noel McIntyre. The film, which took 18 months to produce, featured interviews, historic footage, and heartfelt stories from past and present members, capturing the spirit and legacy of Mullingar Rugby Club. By the time the final credits rolled, there wasn’t a dry eye in the house, and the film received a standing ovation.

“The story of Mullingar Rugby Club is a story of inspiration and endurance, and the optimism of those people at the first meeting 100 years ago,” remarked the club president.

What really stood out to him was “the huge efforts in the early years to build our club’s foundations and the vision in 1977 to buy the land at Cullion and develop it.”

He took pride, obviously, in the vast number of players being offered the opportunity to play the game and partake in healthy sport and recreation, and all the benefits that brings. He noted how children are being given the best opportunity in life to grow and develop. However, Ciaran also spoke in glowing terms of the club’s progress in the last decade in developing the facilities at Shay Murtagh Park.

The president announced two major new partnerships that will shape the club’s future. Leinster Rugby’s recognition of Mullingar as a Centre of Excellence in the Midlands. Also, there will be a collaboration with Dublin City University (DCU) to provide club members with academic and sporting opportunities.

“We will have development squads screening and training in Mullingar. This will give us an insight into what the professionals are doing: if you are a mini or a youth player in Mullingar, this is a very exciting development.

“We have the best facilities in this part of the country, certainly, for a club of our size,” he beamed.

Rugby legend and former Munster and Ireland player Alan Quinlan hosted the evening, bringing his unique insight and passion for the game. He interviewed Noel McIntyre about the making of the film and engaged with club members, even joining in on a sing-song before the night was over.

Following a three-course meal, guests took part in an exciting charity auction, expertly led by local auctioneer Aidan Egan. The auction, featuring signed jerseys, exclusive rugby memorabilia, and donations from generous local businesses, raised a significant amount for the club’s future development.

As the formalities concluded, the celebrations continued into the early hours with a live performance from Spring Break, ensuring a fitting end to a truly memorable night.

The Centenary Ball was not just a celebration of rugby; it was a tribute to the community, resilience, and friendships that have defined Mullingar Rugby Club for a century. Organised by club stalwart Declan Murphy, the night was never about fundraising alone - it was about honouring the club’s past, celebrating the present, and looking ahead to an exciting future.

The overwhelming success of the event has left many wondering if it will become an annual tradition. While the committee has yet to decide, one thing is certain: Mullingar Rugby Club’s Centenary Ball will be remembered as a night of history, heart, and celebration. A century of rugby, a lifetime of memories.

Marking 100 years of rugby in Mullingar was a significant occasion, celebrated in style at the Mullingar Park Hotel.

Club stalwart Mick Lambe, a former player and club president among other leading positions, said he was proud the club had such a wonderful gathering at the event which had been sold out since mid-October. Those who were on a waiting list were even facilitated as, fortunately, some who had bought tickets were unable to attend.

“There were no empty seats. It was a fantastic night and a great milestone for the club," remarked Mr Lambe.

The growth and development of Mullingar Rugby Club is not only a wonderful local story, it is a shining example to any organisation in the country of what can be achieved through community spirit, volunteerism and teamwork. The people at the helm are showing no signs of stopping either which suggests that there are many great years ahead for this proud club.

“The journey was not easy, but to stop now, stand and congratulate ourselves would be foolish. We must continue to drive involvement, volunteerism and development,” said Ciaran Murtagh.

Like Mick Lambe, Ciaran’s own journey involved coaching and he takes great pride in the players who have come through the club’s underage structures and are now ready to bring them to the next level.

Mullingar RFC are craving success on the field to go with their outstanding progress off it and they seem destined to build on their promising showing in recent seasons.