Co Cavan Rugby Club, 50 years on and still growing
The Anglo-Celt Community & Sports Awards, in partnership with Mannok and Kingspan, will take place this evening in the Cavan Crystal Hotel. Cavan Rugby Club is a finalist for Outstanding Achievement of the Year...
When the Gaelic footballers arrived to his door, Peter Pollock admits with a smile, he was at a loss to know what they wanted.
It was 1974 and Pollock, an accomplished player with Longford Rugby Club, was, to use the parlance, blindsided to see two prominent members of Cavan Gaels come calling. Soon, though, PJ Carroll and Tony Dunne spelled out their idea and Peter was sold.
“I remember clearly when the guys came out, I knew them but not particularly well, but I knew them as Cavan Gaels lads. I was wondering, ‘what do these guys want’? And they told me, to my astonishment, that they wanted to start a rugby club in Cavan!” Peter recalled in an interview on those pages last year.
As it turned out, County Cavan Rugby Football Club celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2024, marking half a century of sporting excellence, community engagement, and resilience. Founded in 1974, the club has grown from humble beginnings to become a cornerstone of rugby in the region.
The inception of County Cavan RFC was spearheaded by a number of founder members. Pollock, an accomplished player with Longford Rugby Club, alongside GAA stalwarts Dunne and the late Carroll, both prominent members of Cavan Gaels, helped make early inroads.
Their vision was to establish a rugby club in Cavan, a bold move considering the dominance of Gaelic games in the area. An advertisement in this newspaper led to a meeting at the Lakeland Hotel, attracting around 30 interested individuals. The first training session took place at St. Patrick’s College, marking the beginning of the club's journey.
Initially, the club played in the Leinster leagues, achieving significant success by winning the 2nds Towns Cup in the 1977/78 season under captain George Crowe. However, their growing prowess led to a return to the Ulster competitions, where they continued to make their mark. Notably, they secured their first Forster Cup victory at Ravenhill, captained by Cyril O’Keeffe.
Beyond the pitch, the club focused on developing its infrastructure. With support from the Land Commission and local TD Tom Fitzpatrick, they acquired land for £13,000. This investment paved the way for the construction of a clubhouse and the development of playing pitches, funded through community events and functions.
Today, County Cavan RFC boasts a vibrant community, fielding teams across various age groups and genders. The club's commitment to fostering talent and promoting rugby remains unwavering. As Peter Pollock reflects, “It’s the happy times, the fun, and the camaraderie” that define the club's enduring spirit.
The 50th anniversary of the club was marked by a gala bash last year not only commemorates past achievements but also sets the stage for future endeavours. County Cavan RFC continues to thrive, embodying the values of teamwork, dedication, and community that have been its hallmark since 1974.
With special thanks to our partners and sponsors in these awards - Mannok, Kingspan, Sherry FitzGerald Declan Woods, Cavan Crystal Hotel, Dovida, Kyte Powertech, CICS Silo Clean and Joe Rowley Windows