Portarlington Rugby Club was founded in 1974 and in its 40 years the club has gradually developed into one of the most vibrant and progressive junior clubs in the province.
The club’s first team plays in Division 2A of the Leinster League where they currently occupy third place. Their most successful season in recent times came in the 2011/12 campaign when they won Division 2A as well as the Provincial Towns Plate and the Hosie Cup.
2012 was a special year for the club as it enjoyed unrivalled success while, presently, they are rebuilding following a string of retirements. Player/coach Ross Doyle is at the helm and a decent season so far sees them currently third in Division 2A while also looking forward to a Towns Cup third round clash after a home win over Navan second XV last Sunday.
Their opening round Towns Cup win was a big victory for Ross Doyle’s charges when a huge crowd of travelling Portarlington supporters witnessed their side getting the better of a much fancied Naas team in the first round of the cup.
At youths level, the club is developing strongly under the guidance of youths coordinator Pádraig Mahon. With two girls teams and five boys teams fielding every week there is a strong production line of quality players being generated. There has been some notable success at this level also with the clubs Under-19s winning the area league last season while their Under-17s won Division 1 of the Leinster League and their Under-13s lifted the Leinster Bowl trophy.
Mahon, who also coaches the Leinster North Midlands development squads, has seen a number of talented individuals emerging with players such as James Brennan, Robert Piggott and Keith Kavanagh benefiting from this system.
Kavanagh, who went on to earn a scholarship with Cistercian Roscrea College, was instrumental in his school’s recent victory over Blackrock College in the School’s Senior Cup as he orchestrated their game plan from scrum half.
This tradition continues as currently Portarlington players Warren Murray and Dylan Stronge are training with the Leinster Elite Squad while Under-18s players Jessica Weiss and Michelle Murphy were selected to train with the Leinster Girls squad.
At minis level the club is continuing to expand with 150 boys and girls playing rugby from Under-7s to Under-12s. Under the watchful eye of coordinator Darren Hennessy these future stars train regularly and play in area blitzes. The club has built up a strong reputation for their outstanding hosting of these events and last season they were staged the Leinster Under-12s blitz.
With community rugby officers providing tag rugby to 13 schools in the area as well as summer ‘Games on the Green’ in local housing estates, the signs are that the game will continue to thrive in Portarlington.
The club is at the heart of the community from a social point of view also. They staged sold out Strictly Come Dancing events in The Heritage Hotel & Spa Resort in 2013 and 2014. These were attended by people from right across the community drawing the biggest crowds ever seen in the hotel and this year they will run The Cube at the same venue and in conjunction with the local golf club.
Portarlington RFC has a very strong reputation for conducting all of their activities in a very professional manner and many see their staging of the 2012 Provincial Towns Cup final as one of the most impressive ever. Last season their PRO and current President Barry Lambkin was awarded Leinster Rugby’s P.R.O of the Year which reflected his club’s progressive engagement with local media, social media and Leinster Rugby’s own media channels.
This club looks set to continue its impressive development having established itself as one of the sporting pillars of the community.
Portarlington RFC – Factfile
Founded: 1974
Grounds: Lea Road, Portarlington, Co Laois.
Club Colours: Maroon and white jerseys, maroon shorts and maroon and white socks.
Youths and Minis: Under-7 to Under-19.
President: Barry Lambkin.
