Rugby Club Issue 89 | Page 52

Wanderers FOLLOW US ONLINE TWITTER.COM/RUGBYCLUBMAG Ronnie Dawson, Ronnie Kavanagh and Liam McDermott enjoying the festivities Challenges/Ambitions “The biggest challenge for all rugby clubs is the dramatic fall off in playing numbers immediately after leaving school. Apart from competition from many other sports soccer, Gaelic football, athletics, cycling etc. the schools cup competitions are fiercely contested with students training and playing 5/6 days a week from age thirteen to when they leave school, generally at eighteen. They fall out of love for the game due to the intensity over the 5/6 year period. On the pitch it is our ambition to obtain promotion to higher divisions the of AIL league – as high as possible. Off the pitch we want to complete the build of the new clubhouse, including new gym, dressing rooms and all other facilities etc. It is also important to ensure fundraising is adequate to cover the costs involved and that any borrowings are at a level that can be easily repaid in line with the income streams of the club for the next five years and beyond. Repayments should not impinge on the rugby budget.” Kevin Flynn’s vital try in Twickenham in 1972 as Ireland defeated England 12- 16, with Mike Gibson in support. 52 Issue 89