Kinsale Rugby club marked a significant milestone recently, as they celebrated the 40th anniversary of the opening of their pitches at Snugmore, just outside Kinsale.

At a gala lunch event recently, older founding members and new gathered together to hear of how the club’s grounds came to be.

Two founding members, Philip Stokes and Ronan Kett, spoke about how the club, founded in 1982, quickly realised they needed a permanent home and went about finding one. The fields at Snugmore were quickly identified and a fundraising committee was set up to purchase what was then a significantly sloping site. 

With the support of the local community and local businesses, the club opened pitch one - now named The Jim Good pitch - to rugby in September, 1985.

The club has since added 4 more pitches and a clubhouse and gym, and provides facilities to hundreds of boys, girls, men and women, who love the game of rugby.

Club President Paul McCarthy also spoke the volunteerism that makes the club tick, and thanked the many who ensure the game continues to thrive in Kinsale.

The occasion was marked with three other special moments. James Brugger who played his minis and youths rugby with the club proudly presented his Ireland U19s jersey, earned while playing with Kinsale. Then our underage boys and girls gave a guard of honour as the men’s firsts opened their league season v Cobh in front of a large and loud crowd. 

The event finished on a high as the first team won 47-12 in a fine display of running rugby.

With the weather providing a final feel of summer, the clubs 40th pitch celebrations ended on a high. Here’s to 40 more years!