GALLERY: Navan Rugby Club celebrates 21 years of the ladies game

A celebration of 21 years of ladies and girls rugby that had been postponed several times due to Covid finally took place on Friday 16th September last at the club.

Guest included coaches, managers, supporters, past and present executive club members, and sponsors. The club was delighted to see so many past players including players who represented the club at Leinster and Ireland level along with the current ladies panel.

Youth and minis coaches were well represented too.Navan RFC Girls rugby has also had phenomenal success in North East, Leinster, and Leinster league competitions and more recently two of their players were capped for Ireland under-18s.

Minis and youths have flourished thanks to the dedication and hard work of these coaches and managers. Thanks to their efforts over the years, the club is now fielding girls teams across all the age grades from minis, U14, U16, U18s in great numbers and success.Past president Rosi Megan was host, with and the evening began with a message from club president Raymond Hannon, read by the club’s main sponsor Eimer Hannon, as Raymond was in Boston. Speakers included Director of Rugby, Niall Hennessey, who welcomed Paddy Donnelly of Bermingham's Bar as the new sponsor of the senior ladies team; Lizzie Oakes, first ever lady captain from 2001; Michael Connolly, youth co-ordinator; Ciara Delahunt, out-half from the All Ireland winning teams of 2003 and 2011; and Paul Beggy, head coach of the senior ladies team.

PHOTOS: ENDA CASEY / GASUN PHOTOGRAPHY