November 1st saw Naas RFC host Skerries RFC in the AIL Div2A and memories of a great encounter between the two teams in 1969 came flooding back…
Naas Wanderers (as they were known then) beat Skerries to win the Provincial Towns Plate that year. Art McCoy and Pat Brophy from the 1969 Naas team thought briefly about togging out, but instead decided a more appropriate way to remember was to arrange a reunion to coincide with the match.
A plan was put together and phone calls were made and soon the idea became reality.
The 1969 Towns Cup campaign saw Naas suffering a defeat at home to Wexford Wanderers but the team regrouped to defeat Athy, Tullamore and Gorey in the Towns Plate to set up a final clash with Skerries. The final was a draw – 3 points each after extra time, and the replay in the Curragh was a thriller with Naas winning by 9 points to 8 points.
The win was significant for Naas as it marked the first Leinster Branch competition to be won by Naas since winning in the Leinster Junior Cup in 1924.
(Naas RFC 1969 team with the Provincial Towns Plate)
As the veteran team mates gathered in Forenaughts they were greeted by the Provinvial Towns Plate which had travelled up from Gorey RFC, the current holders, especially for the event. A great afternoon, feasting on Brady Family ham and the odd pint saw the team’s reminisce of times past and watch the “kids” battle it out in terrible conditions. Skerries handled the weather better and won out 41-0.
(Skerries RFC 1969 team with the Provincial Towns Plate)
