Brady elected to prestigious Leinster Rugby role

CRAIG WILLIAMSON

Navan RFC is celebrating a historic milestone following the Leinster Rugby Annual General Meeting at Old Wesley RFC, Donnybrook on Thursday evening (28th May), as long-standing club stalwart Philip Brady was officially elected Senior Vice-President of the Leinster Branch IRFU for the 2026/2027 season.

Formally proposed on behalf of the club by Navan RFC Chairman Stephen Mackarel, Philip’s election marks the first time in the club’s illustrious 101-year history that a member has risen to such a senior rank within the provincial rugby hierarchy.

The appointment places him next in line to serve as President of the Leinster Branch for the 2027/2028 season, a role that would cap an extraordinary career in rugby administration and reflects the immense esteem in which he is held at every level of the game.

The Brady family name is deeply embedded in the fabric of Navan RFC. Philip’s rugby journey began at the very grassroots, playing Minis rugby at the club before representing Castleknock College at both Junior and Senior Cup levels, and later togging out for UCD.

His senior playing career at Navan RFC was highly distinguished; he was a key player on the historic, back-to-back Provincial Towns Cup winning teams of 1990 & 1991. In a beautiful piece of club folklore, those legendary teams were coached by his late father, the esteemed Richard 'Dick' Brady.

Off the pitch, Philip’s administrative dedication to his home club has been unwavering over the last three decades:

● 1995 – 2000: Served as Club Honorary Secretary.

● 2007 – 2009: Served as Club President.

● 2012 – Present: Serves as a vital Club Trustee.

● 1990s – 2000s: Acted as a youth referee, giving back to the next generation of Navan players.

Philip has served as Navan RFC’s official representative to Leinster Rugby since the club famously achieved Senior status in 2009. Over the past 17 years, his professionalism and strategic insight have made him one of the most respected administrators in the province:

● 2009: Appointed to the Leinster Rugby Executive and co-opted to both the Commercial & Marketing and Rugby committees.

● 2012/13: Elected Chair of the Leinster Rugby Rugby Committee, a vital role he held for seven seasons, which included representing the province on the national IRFU Rugby Committee.

● 2022 – Present: Appointed Chair of the Leinster Commercial & Marketing Committee and sits on the powerful Leinster Rugby Management Committee.

The AGM at Donnybrook proved to be a sensational night for the wider County Meath & North-East area rugby community with a number of local administrators elected to key executive roles, showcasing the growing volunteerism strength of local clubs in the region:

● David McFadden (Balbriggan RFC, representing the North-East Area): Elected

Junior Vice-President of the Leinster Branch (in line to serve as President of the Leinster Branch for the 2028/2029 season).

● John Fitzgerald (North Meath RFC): Elected Chair of the Leinster Rugby Women's Committee.

● Bill Duggan (Ashbourne RFC): Re-elected as Honorary Junior Secretary of the Leinster Branch.

Additionally, Ciaran O'Brien (Association of Referees Leinster Branch/Railway Union RFC) was elected as the Leinster Branch President for the 2026/27 season, succeeding outgoing President Moira Flahive (Dublin University/Trinity), who received glowing tributes for her exceptional year of service.

The Executive Committee, trustees, players, and members of Navan RFC extend their warmest congratulations to Philip and the wider Brady family on this monumental achievement.

We wish him every success as he steps into this prestigious role for the 2026/27 season.

Inaugural Presentation of Luke Kenny Memorial Shield

Balreask Old hosted a deeply meaningful gathering last Saturday week (23rd May) as this past season's u-18.5 Boys squad and mentor group took to the pitch for one final event together as a youth squad.

The afternoon kicked off with a spirited game of touch rugby, but the gathering carried a profound significance for everyone involved. It marked the final time this tight-knit group would share the turf as a senior youth team.

Ahead of the autumn, these young men are preparing to take their next major steps, with many heading off to third-level education and others transitioning into the u-20s and adult rugby ranks next season.

Towards the latter end of the season, the u-18.5 squad collectively decided to dedicate their premier individual accolade to honor a member of the wider Navan RFC community who is dearly missed.

Luke Kenny passed away suddenly last March. Luke was the son of Pat Kenny, a man who has given over two decades of invaluable service to Navan RFC, shaping the club's development pathways as a dedicated coach to both youth boys' and adult men's teams.

To ensure Luke’s memory lives on at the heart of the club's transition structures, the squad established the Luke Kenny Memorial Shield with the intention for it to serve as the permanent trophy for the u-18.5 Boys Players' Player of the Year.

At the conclusion of the touch rugby match, players, coaches, and mentors gathered alongside the main pitch beside the clubhouse for the formal presentation.

In a poignant and proud moment for the club, Pat Kenny was on hand to present the inaugural shield to Rhian Flaherty. Rhian had previously been announced as the u-18.5 boys

Players' Player of the Year at the recent 2025/26 Senior and Youth Awards Night, and receiving the newly struck shield from Pat wrapped up a remarkable season for the young player.

Navan RFC extends its warmest congratulations to Rhian Flaherty on a thoroughly deserved award, and our continued deepest thoughts and solidarity remain with Pat and the entire Kenny family.

To our departing u-18.5 squad: you have represented the jersey with immense pride, skill, and integrity all season. As you move into adult rugby or begin your academic journeys away from home, you go with the very best wishes of everyone at Balreask Old.

You will always be a part of the Navan RFC family.

Notice of the 97th Annual General Meeting of Navan RFC

All voting and ordinary members are hereby notified that the 97th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of Navan Rugby Football Club will take place this coming Friday, 5th June 2026, at 7:30pm in the Long Bar of the Clubhouse at Balreask Old.

As we wrap up the 2025/26 season, this AGM is a vital opportunity for members to hear year-end reports, discuss club governance, and shape the future direction of Navan RFC.

In accordance with the club constitution, please note the following regulations regarding voting rights at the upcoming General Meeting:

● Eligible Voters: Only Ordinary Members of the club who were fully registered on or before January 1st, 2026, are entitled to vote.

● Age Requirement: Members must be over the age of 18 years to exercise a vote at a General Meeting.

We look forward to a strong turnout from members as we review the successes of the past year and prepare the ground for the 2026/27 season.