The 2025 Kinsale Rugby Club AGM took place this Wednesday evening at our Snugmore clubhouse with a good attendance of committee members, coaches, players, volunteers and members.

The outgoing executive committee spoke about the club’s progress over the last year. Director of Rugby Denis Collins spoke about the considerable achievements on the rugby pitch - our Men’s Firsts pushing for promotion, our Men’s Seconds establishing themselves, our boys youth teams winning major South Munster trophies, and our girls sides growing in numbers and competitiveness. 

Outgoing President Paul Kingston thanked the many volunteers who make it all happen. From coaching minis, to organizing committees which drive the club forward, and the continual efforts to promote our game for young people and the community of Kinsale and surrounds.

Outgoing Chairman Des Walsh praised other notable achievements such as the successful expansion of the girl’s Annemarie Kingston Cup, the excellent Kinsale Sevens tournament, and our primary schools SharkFest event. He also mentioned other special moments this year for the club, such as Philip Stokes’ recognition at the IRFUs 150 year celebration, U18.5 player James Brugger’s Ireland cap - a first for the club - and the mixed ability game at the Kinsale Sevens. 

Outgoing Treasurer Allen Murphy spoke about the substantial work undertaken this year to offset the increased costs of running the club. Significant progress is being made, and more will continue to be done. 

The 2025 Executive Committee stood down with thanks from those in attendance for their hard work. A new committee was then elected with Paul McCarthy elected as the incoming President of Kinsale Rugby Club. The election of the club’s executive officers was as follows:

Pauline O’Regan continues as Minis & Girls Development Officer, Eric Dolan continues as Youth Development Officer, Ronan Kett continues to chair the club’s Finance Committee, Neil O’Callaghan will continue as Membership Officer, John Walsh will continue as Ticket Officer, and Denis Collins will continue as Director of Rugby. Other committee roles and club positions will be filled over the coming months. 

The club would like to put on record their thanks to Paul Kingston, outgoing President, for his incredible hard work in every aspect of our club’s operation. He has been an inspirational President and it is thanks to him and other volunteers like him that our club continues to prosper.

The new committee will meet next month and begin the planning for a new season, and set a course for the club’s successful future.