Birr RFC
| Full name | Birr Rugby Football Club | |
|---|---|---|
| Union | IRFU Leinster | |
| Nickname(s) | The Birr Grizzly Bears | |
| Founded | 1887 | |
| Ground(s) | Riverside, Birr (Capacity: varies) | |
| President | David Baker | |
| Coach(es) | Christy Hogan | |
| ||
| Official website | ||
| www | ||
Birr RFC is an Irish rugby team based in Birr, County Offaly, playing in Division 2B of the Leinster League. Formed in 1887 the club is one of the oldest clubs the country.[1] The club colours are green, black and white.
In June 2013 Birr rugby club won 5000 euro from Ulster bank rugby force. The Birr Under 13 team won the midlands league in the 2011-2012 season.
History
Birr RFC stands as one of the oldest rugby clubs in the country, having been initially formed in 1887. The club lapsed on several occasions, particularly during the two world wars and again in the mid-50s, but it was reformed in 1963 and has been in continuous existence ever since.
Birr RFC purchased it's Moorpark Grounds, comprising 4.5 acres in the centre of Birr Town in 1963, and a further 7.5 acres in 1975 approx 4km south of Birr off the N52 road in Ballyeigan. Dooly's Hotel worked closely with the club in the early days. Dressing-rooms were non-existent and deemed a luxury, so the hotel provided washing facilities to the club on match days.
In 1980 Birr amalgamated with the Ormond Lawn Tennis Club to form the Moorpark Sport Club. A new clubhouse with three tarmac tennis courts was built on the Ormond grounds. This merger provided Birr with a permanent home and a clubhouse with enhanced dressing-room facilities.
In 2000, following negotiations with the then Birr Town Council, and including an exchange of freehold and leasehold properties, Birr RFC acquired a long term lease on Council lands at Riverside. This site contains 2 state of the art full-size rugby pitches in the centre of Birr town. [2]
The 2015-16 season saw the introduction of Women’s Rugby to the club. Birr RFC currently fields 2 Women’s teams at Under 16 and Under 18 level. They now also train both boys and girls at mini's level.
Notable Former Players
References
- ^ "Club Focus: Birr RFC proudly flying the rugby flag in hurling stronghold". Independent.ie. 28 Oct 2016. Retrieved 30 Oct 2016.
- ^ "Club History". birrrugby.ie. Retrieved 30 Oct 2016.
External links
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