Rugby Club Talents Continue to Shine

Beibhinn, Shane and Oisin!

Ballinasloe RFC held their AGM recently where they appointed their new committee members for the year.

In his President’s address, Club President Tom Waters remembered Paul Spencer a staunch member of the club’s committee who passed away during the year. “Paul left an indelible mark on this Club through his years of selfless volunteerism as a coach and various roles on committee and ultimately as Club President in 2005-2006. We as a club will always remember those we have lost and I would now like to pass on mine and the clubs condolences to members and friends of Ballinasloe RFC who have lost loved ones in the recent past. May they all rest in peace.”

The President also thanked all Club Volunteers, Coaches and Parents for their hard work and enthusiasm throughout the year. “Our great Club continues to punch above its weight and continues to be successful, producing players in both codes, representing the Club at both a Provincial and National level”.

The elected committee for the 2022 season is Club President Tom Waters, Vice President/Treasurer Pearse Keller, Hon. Secretary Jacinta Divilly, Assistant Treasurer Matt Carey, Director of Rugby Noel Mannion, Club Welfare Officer Declan Quinn, Communications Officer/PRO Kevin Keane, Youth Branch Delegate Paul Burns, Mini’s Co-ordinator Steve Goode. David McKeigue, Ann Conlon, Tom Horkan, Annemarie McCann, John McKenna, Tom Finn, and Liam Feehily.

There was good news recently for two of the club’s products, as good friends Shane Jennings and Oisin McCormack who have played with each other from an early age both signed professional contracts with Connacht. The men who have been part of the Connacht academy for a few years, will now join the first-team squad for the 2022/23 season.

The club’s finest ladies export Beibhinn Parsons has been making waves on the international scene yet again. Beibhinn’s fine 2021 year culminated in her being named the Guinness Rugby Writers of Ireland Women’s Player of the Year for the second year running. This incredible achievement for the Connacht and Ireland flyer comes off the back of some immense performances during the recent season. Parsons once again has proved herself to be one of the stars of the Ireland Women’s squad, capable of scoring amazing tries and digging deep when needed.

At the time of publication, Beibhinn is currently in Malaga, Spain representing Ireland in the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series where she hopes to add a title to her already glistening CV.