Longford RFC have recently launched an innovative Past Players society – The Auld Blacks…
The Club recognised that there is a vast pool of former players who might not have a focal point to stay in contact both with themselves and the activities of the club.
The Auld Blacks has proved hugely popular already and an awards lunch in the Mansion House recently before the Ireland v Scotland RBS 6 Nations proved a great success.
The inaugural “Auld Blacks Awards” took place on Saturday 20th March prior to Ireland’s final Six Nations fixture at home to Scotland!
The event proved to be a great success as the ever ebullient Hector Ó’hEochagáin proved a bubbly MC for the day with former Ireland and Lions hooker Shane Byrne and former Scottish international Andy Nicol on hand to preview the game.
The even helped to raise over €;25,000 for Longford RFC, proving the worth of tapping into the vast pool of former players.
It is the vision of the “Auld Blacks” to develop into an integral part of the Club in terms of establishing and maintaining ties between not only former players but anyone who has contributed and been part of what is a cornerstone of Longford and the North Midlands sporting community – Longford Rugby Club.
Through the “Auld Blacks” the following key goals are hoped to be achieved:
*Re-Union activities throughout the year culminating in an annual function held on the day of a home Ireland Six Nations Fixture. Every year the “Longford Rugby Auld Blacks” function will present awards in two categories -an induction to the Club’s “Hall of Fame” for a former player and “Recognition of Service to LRFC” to a Club person recognised as having given exceptional service to the Club.
*Travel to both home and away LRFC fixtures.
*The provision of “Auld Blacks” merchandise/casual wear to include a new “Auld Blacks” Jersey each season, Polo Shirts, Ties etc.
*Monthly newsletter/e-zine with features to include updates on teams progress throughout the club, upcoming activities, a “where are they now?” interview with a former player, match reports and photography from the archives and much more!
For more information check out www.longfordrugby.com
