Magical night at Swellan

County Cavan Rugby Football Club held its Annual Awards Dinner in the newly refurbished functions room in Swellan Park clubhouse on Friday last. Without over-stating the case it is safe to say that the clubhouse sparkled in its new found glory. The entire event was a real "club" affair. The level of organisation that went into the evening was self evident with absolutely nothing being left to chance. The excellent meal was a buffet style affair with the catering sponsored by McCarren"s who also sponsor the two senior teams at the club. The other sponsors associated with Co. Cavan RFC are Tarpy"s Super Valu and Donal Keogan, The Imperial Bar, with the contribution of all three being clearly acknowledged and obviously greatly appreciated by the officers and members of the club. Any successful club relies heavily on the voluntary contribution of its members and Club President Brendon Goodrich was at pains to thank all of those that have given of their time so generously over the season, in his address on the night. Brendon went on to highlight the development of the Ladies Squad and complimented team captain Kathleen Dawson along with their coaches for their dedication throughout the season. It was with no small sense of pride that Brendon singled out Ellen Cahill who in her first season playing rugby has already picked up an Ulster Cap. This achievement was copper fastened when Ellen was presented with a Recognition Award on the night. In his address Club Captain Gary Browne thanked all of the senior players for their patience and help throughout the season. While this was not Cavan"s best season Gary was hugely positive about the young talent that was coming through from the underage section along with the new players that had joined the club during the season. Second team captain Philip Crowe echoed the sentiments expressed by Gary and paid tribute to Gary for all the work he put in at training over the season. For her part Kathleen Dawson as captain of the Ladies squad spoke in glowing terms about her fellow team mates and the support that she received. Making history in the club as the first ever Ladies captain, Kathleen has set an extremely high standard in that position and was something of an inspiration to all within the club both female and male. The "marriage" between male and female at County Cavan RFC is something that has really only begun to bear fruit and as with any good marriage the future looks so much brighter for all concerned. One of the special guests at the Awards Dinner was John Wilson Chairman of the Schools Committee, Ulster Branch and his wife Daphne. John was attending the dinner as a representative for John Boyd, President Ulster Branch, who had a previous engagement. While addressing the gathering John made no bones about paying glowing tributes to the club president, his committee and the club as a whole for the wonderful reception and generous hospitality that was shown to himself and Daphne. John had an official function to carry out on the night. He had traveled the Swellan Park with the Silver Club Recognition Award which he duly presented to President Brendon Goodrich. This is yet another milestone in the history of Co. Cavan RFC. Not only that but John was able to confirm that the club has gone one better and joined an elite group of only 9 clubs in the province of Ulster that have achieved Gold status in the Club Recognition Award scheme. John congratulated the president and the club acknowledging that it is "punching above its weight" considering that it would have been up against the likes of senior clubs such as Dungannon, Ards, Malone, for this coveted award. This Gold award will have many benefits for Co. Cavan RFC as well as the much needed financial remuneration that comes with it. Also in attendance at the Awards dinner was Jeff Smith, chairman of the IRFU Charitable Trust. Jeff spoke very briefly about the work of the Trust and paid tribute to the fundraising efforts of Co. Cavan RFC for that particular charity. Jeff has a long association with the club and is a native of Crossdoney in Cavan but now resides in Galway. Among the many highlights that took place in Swellan Park at this Awards dinner there was one particular award that sparked quite an emotional response from the recipient. The award for Clubman of the Year is without doubt a most sought after title and this year"s holder is most deserving of the title. Once the club President Brendon Goodrich announced the award was going to Frankie Walls the room erupted with tumultuous applause. Frank has spearheaded the Social Club committee and in doing so has brought together a group of hardworking and dedicated individuals. The results of their efforts are self-evident throughout the club with special mention going to the refurbishment of the functions room. Frankie is not a man to be found wanting when it comes to saying a few words. However on this occasion his emotions got the better of him as he graciously accepted the award on behalf of long serving members both past and present. Overall this particular event as Swellan Park has paved the way for many more such occasions. Where County Cavan Rugby Football Club finds itself at present in down to the support, generosity and general good will that was to be seen in abundance in Swellan Park clubhouse on Friday night last. All those involved with the club both on and off the playing fields can take a deep bow. With the vibrant energy that is within the club at present it is safe to say that good and greater things can be expected in the future for County Cavan RFC. AGM With the holding of the Awards Night now consigned to history it is back to business at Co. Cavan RFC. To that end the Annual General Meeting will be held in Swellan Park clubhouse on next Friday 15th May at 7.30pm. All members are requested to attend this meeting. The two main items that will be up for discussion at this meeting will be coaching and pitch facilities at the club. These two items have been prioritised by the present management committee.