C l o n ta r f
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seasons ago , the team continues to go from strength to strength and are always welcoming new players to the side .
There is also girl ’ s youth rugby , where players are invited to Give It a Try and learn the skills required to play the game .
The Clontarf Bulls also caters for players with special needs , and encourages players to interact with coaches and individuals in a fun and engaging environment .
In the past number of years the club has seen Cian Healy , Tadhg Furlong ,
Joey Carbery and Noel Reid capped at international level .
Mick McGrath , who was the league ’ s top try scorer in 2015 / 16 and 2013 / 14 has been capped for the Ireland 7s , and recent Ireland U20 representatives include Conor O ’ Brien , Vakh Abdaladze and Jack Power .
The club is hopeful to continue its success at all levels and remain as a central part of community life in Clontarf and in the wider North Dublin area .
Jonathan Stafford of Stafford Funeral Homes recently took the time to tell Rugby Club Magazine more about his positive association with the club .
RC : How did Staffords first become associated with Clontarf Rugby Club ?
JS : We have had a long standing association with Clontarf Rugby Club , dating back to when myself and my brother both started to play rugby as kids . My younger brother was taller and skinnier than me . He played second row , all the way to a winning U20s Leinster Final . He had compartment syndrome in his lower legs and never played much after that . I was fortunate to stay playing into my late twenties , including a stint in Australia , until the old knees gave out and I had to hang up my boots too . We always felt at home in the bull ring and really enjoyed the camaraderie of rugby . I am very lucky to have grown up with Clontarf Rugby Club and have great memories of the last 30 years there , and I hope many more to come ! The ‘ Tarf ’ really epitomises the true spirit of club rugby - it ’ s an integral part of our community and one of the friendliest clubs in Ireland . The dedication and level of commitment from all sections of the club is really fantastic - all age groups right the way up to the senior side , through to Paul Fallon and his team , who keep the club running like clockwork - it ’ s really outstanding . In my opinion you will always feel welcome , supported and in great company when you are in Castle Avenue .
RC : Do you or any family or staff get down to see any matches ?
JS : I sure do ! Myself and my old school team and club mates make it to Castle Avenue to see matches regularly enough during the season . There ’ ll usually be a few drinks in the bar afterwards , where myself and my back-row pals , Al Foley and Steve Weadick enjoy winding our mates up while we talk about the old playing days ! in league . Clontarf have been crowned All Ireland League champions two out of the last three years so the results speak for themselves . This success filters down through the club and all sections are benefiting and developing as a result , including our social , junior , youth and mini teams , right through to our women ’ s rugby team which is becoming more and more popular . The club has set-up the “ Clontarf Bulls ” which provides rugby for the children , friends and neighbours of our members , with special needs . The pilot programme was launched last season and has proven a great success .
RC : Has the feedback within the local community been positive ?
JS : I certainly think so , I think a lot of people in the community really appreciate the high standard of rugby that we play and the success the team has brought to Clontarf and the surrounding areas is something we ’ re all very proud of .
RC : Do you think your support helps the club ?
JS : I hope so ; we are only one of many sponsors and we love being able to support and sponsor the club through our family business , Stafford ’ s Funeral Directors , which is deeply rooted in the community . It ’ s funny because our Dad was always a GAA ( Gaelic Athletic Association ) man before we ended up playing rugby and now he loves it and tries to get to as many matches as he can in Castle Ave .
RC : How do you feel the team has performed over the past few seasons ?
JS : The senior team have obviously performed really well over the last few seasons , and are now one of the top sides
22 Issue 69