IRFU President Message

It is my privilege to write to City of Armagh RFC as President of the Irish Rugby Football Union for the upcoming season, 2021/22. As you know this is my second year as President, a unique occurrence in unprecedented times and I am very grateful for the opportunity to represent you throughout the year.The past year has had a huge impact on society. Many of us have lost family, friends, colleagues or indeed clubmates. This has been the huge tragedy of COVID19, and these people will live long in our memories.

While there is still a lot of uncertainty ahead, it is my hope that I will get to as many clubs as possible, in line with COVID 19 guidelines, and I look forward to meeting as many of you as possible in the year ahead.

Sport has always played an important part in our society, and as we emerge from COVID19, rugby will help to strengthen the physical and mental health of everyone involved in and around our games. In my many conversations with members of the rugby family over the past 18 months I know that I speak for all when I acknowledge the great pleasure, we all gained from the TV coverage of our games throughout the lockdown. In this regard I am pleased to acknowledge the work of everyone involved in managing to keep the Provincial and National team bubbles COVID free so that we could enjoy the wonderful efforts of all our professional players.

I close by encouraging us all to keep an eye out for each other – we have been through so much and some may be struggling in silence, but we will get through it shoulder to shoulder.

The very best of luck to City of Armagh RFC in the season ahead.

Des Kavanagh

President – IRFU