Being entrusted with the presidency of Naas RFC for the 2026/27 season is both a surprise and a tremendous honour. I would like to extend my sincere thanks to outgoing President Ross Murphy for his support and guidance, and to all his predecessors for their leadership and example. I will do my very best to uphold the legacy they have built, and I ask our members to indulge me in my own particular ways along the journey!

As a proud ‘Killbilly’, I well remember cycling the back roads to Forenaughts in the late 1970s to train and play. My late father, Eddie, often told stories of picking stones from the original pitch before it opened. Today, hanging above the fireplace in the clubhouse is my paternal grandfather Mark Deering’s Irish cap — a reminder of the generations of family history woven into the fabric of this club.

I was fortunate enough to be part of the first Naas team to win the Towns Cup in 1995. Of course, it was only after I had hung up my boots that Naas attained Senior status! This season marks our tenth consecutive year competing in AIL Division 1B, a remarkable achievement and a testament to the dedication, hard work and commitment of generations of players, coaches and volunteers.

Running a thriving rugby club is no small undertaking, and the work involved often goes unseen. The contribution of our Executive Committee, whose members give so generously of their time and energy, deserves particular recognition and appreciation.

Of course, Naas RFC is about far more than senior rugby.

Last season, our J1s won their league and secured promotion, while also enjoying an impressive run in the Towns Cup. I understand that our J2 squad continues to grow, and our U20s — such an important link between youth and adult rugby — enjoyed an impressive first season back. Our senior women’s team has welcomed new management and coaches, while the future looks promising for our U18s.

One of my greatest pleasures is visiting the club on a Saturday morning and seeing Forenaughts come alive with mini and youth teams of all ages, training and playing with such enthusiasm. Watching our Rattlers and Vipers in action is equally heartening and a wonderful reminder of what makes our club so special.

None of this would be possible without the many dedicated volunteers who give so much to make it all happen. On behalf of the club, I extend my sincere thanks to each and every one of you. Please know that your efforts are valued, appreciated and never taken for granted.

Together, we have become far more than the sum of our parts. Every week, hundreds of boys and girls pull on the green and white jersey to represent their club and their hometown. Along the way, they develop friendships that will last a lifetime, learn valuable lessons and build a sense of belonging that extends well beyond the rugby pitch. For some, the journey will lead to representative rugby with Leinster and Ireland. To those who have already reached those heights, a very well-deserved congratulations!

We have ambitious plans for the future, and I encourage all our members and supporters to play their part in bringing them to fruition. We cannot afford to stand still, and we must continue to invest in and improve our facilities to meet the needs of our growing club. Supporting our new club lotto is one practical way to help. Details of how to participate will be shared across our club channels, and I would encourage everyone to get involved.

I have reserved a special word of thanks for our club sponsors. As a businessman myself, I fully appreciate the challenges and commitments involved in running a business. The willingness of our sponsors to contribute their hard-earned money towards supporting our local rugby community is hugely appreciated. I encourage all our members and supporters to support these businesses in return whenever possible.

I look forward to meeting as many players, members, supporters and visitors as possible over the coming months. Despite appearances, I am quite approachable!

So, come down to Forenaughts, get involved and be part of the action. Whether you are a player, parent, supporter, volunteer or simply a friend of the club, you are always welcome.

Above all, let us continue to support one another, respect our match officials and, most importantly, enjoy our rugby.

Mark O’Loughlin
President, Naas RFC
2026/27 Season