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Irish Independent
17 hours ago
- Sport
- Irish Independent
Irish rugby player throws his support behind expansion plans at local Wexford club
In 2024, New Ross launched the 300 Club, a fundraising effort with an ambitious development plan to build new dressing rooms and install a 4G pitch. This will cater for the growing numbers and future proof the club for more success down the line, such as that of Tadhg Furlong, the international Irish rugby star who continues to support his local club. Tadhg started playing rugby with New Ross as a mini player in 1998, playing with the u8's despite being a couple of years young for the team at the time. He was always a standout mini player and put in some memorable performances at the various u10 and u12 blitzes that were to follow. His late father James helped to coach these minis teams, offering a wealth of rugby advice that he had built up from playing as a prop himself for the New Ross 1st XV for many years. James is fondly remembered by everyone in New Ross RFC, especially those who were lucky to be part of these mini teams growing up. When Tadhg graduated to youth rugby he continued to stand out, he had settled into life as a tight head prop but also did some lineout throwing, could pass off both sides and had a left boot that many out halves would be proud of. In 2006, when New Ross won the u14 McGowan Cup for the first time in their history, Tadhg played at prop in the final against Edenderry RFC where New Ross came out on top in a 6-0 thriller. Tadhg was now part of a team that knew how to win, and he was usually found leading the way with tackles and strong carries. He made his way up through u16 rugby, always competing at premier division level and becoming a household name amongst many opposing teams. Tadhg played his last season with New Ross in 2009 to 2010, aged 17, whilst also navigating the Leaving Certificate as well as being a Leinster and Irish youth player. New Ross was again victorious in this season, winning the Leinster League u19 Premier Division beating south-east rivals, Enniscorthy, in a 9-8 final win. Tadhg set the standards in this team, but this was also a talented group who were well able to mix it with the best players in Leinster at the time. But for all of his success, Furlong has never forgotten where it all started. 'I think New Ross Rugby Club, the start they gave me, the friends I've made there, what they give from a social aspect to our family as well, it's been a big part of my life,' he added. 'They are proud rugby people in that part of the world.' Tadhg is now a New Ross RFC supporter, and is often on the bank on a Sunday in Southknock, the home of New Ross RFC. The rugby club has continued to grow and is a very different club to the one Tadhg started off in back in 1998, as it now boasts seven minis and 13 youth teams, as well as a senior section with first and second teams for both men and ladies. In April 2025, IRFU president Declan Madden visited New Ross and turned the sod on the new dressing room building. As works are under way, the club is calling for support with their 300 Club fundraising campaign, whereby they seek 300 participants to contribute €30 per month for three years. More information can be found at
Irish Independent
27-04-2025
- Sport
- Irish Independent
IRFU president Declan Madden visits Wexford to turn sod on New Ross RFC development
The event was attended by a large number of present club members including past presidents and captains of the club and their family members and friends. The New Ross RFC President, Brendan Roche, opened the event by welcoming all attendees and thanking Declan and Geraldine for their visit. The club captain, Emma Flood, and men's team captain, Rory Browne, gave a brief presentation about the development plans for the club and the motivation behind those plans. The development includes building new dressing rooms to support the growing numbers of female rugby players and teams in the club, and a new gym that will be fully accessible to all members, including for the Dunbrody Warriors, the club's inclusive adaptive rugby team. A second phase of the project will deliver a 3G all-weather pitch at the grounds at Southknock. In the years since its founding, the club has developed, within the urban community of New Ross Town and the surrounding rural area, to have over 500 playing members across 20 teams. The demand on training and playing facilities is significantly higher than what was required before and therefore development is now progressing in earnest to address these needs. Following the presentation, the club held the second of its 300 Development Club quarterly draws. The 300 Development Club has been set up to allow members (individuals, organisations and companies) to support development through either lump sum payments or monthly payments of €30 a month for three years. Quarterly draws are held with prizes of €1000, €300 and €100. This was followed by a sod turning ceremony in which Declan, with the assistance of the club committee, broke the ground to mark the start of development for the club. Declan spoke at length about the importance of smaller clubs, such as New Ross RFC, to the development and sustainment of rugby across the country. In particular, he highlighted the contributions of all clubs to 150 years of the IRFU and to the huge success of Irish rugby over the recent years. He also regaled the attendees with stories about Dr. Mick Lucey who was one of the founders of the club in the early 1970s, whom Declan had known and played with. The day was a huge success for the club and the gathering exhibited the community spirit built around the club and the encouragement continues among all teams. The senior men's and women's teams showcase their own success in performing well in the Leinster league this season, while there were great seasons for all the minis and youth teams also and in the Bank of Ireland NeverStopCompeting challenge. Individual accomplishments through their work in the local club were also acknowledged recently with the awarding of 2024 County Wexford Volunteer in Sport award to Nicky Haberlin and the awarding of the IRFU Service to Rugby medal to Seamus Doyle. The celebration was an opportunity for past and present members to reflect on the club's success over the years and, while there was an element of nostalgia for some, it was also a proud day for all involved. ADVERTISEMENT
