As we enter February there seems a new confidence and optimism around that we are now finally over the worst of our Covid nightmare. With most restrictions lifted, we can now begin to enjoy all of the things we once took for granted. Our first major event takes place this Saturday with the return of a full capacity Aviva for the visit of Wales in the opening round of the 6 Nations. It will be a busy weekend in the club, and we have a full house. The upstairs bar will have limited numbers and is reserved for members so make sure you have your up to date membership card with you as if not you will be refused entry. Outside in the back car park we will continue to have our popular Heineken Village with plenty of bars and food offerings to keep all happy. We look forward to welcoming all to Lansdowne.

On the pitch we continue to do well and the 1^st XV remain second overall in the AIL after a comprehensive home win against Garryowen last weekend.  Next up for the seniors is the Bateman Cup Final, this will be our third time to qualify for the final in 4 years and it is a competition we value and hope to win. Unfortunately for us, and I am sure for our opponents Young Munster, we both travel to Cork on an international day, forcing an earlier KO than normal which means the team must travel the night before to be prepared as best as they can be. The team need your support against what is sure to be a large and vocal Young Munster contingent, so please do your best to get to Musgrave Park on Saturday February 12^th for the 1.45pm KO.

The 20s also continue their fine form to remain top of the league but again have a huge game at home in Lansdowne Road on this Sunday February 6^th against 2^nd placed Old Belvedere who came out on top on our previous meeting earlier in the season. This means a lot to our young men and their coaches, so again, I call on you all to get down to Lansdowne on Sunday and give the lads the support they deserve. The bar will be open and the cobwebs from the previous day can be blown away. KO is at 3.00pm don’t miss it!!

While the 1^st XV’s injury list has affected the J1’s performances, there are positive signs and returning players that look like the performances are on an upward curve but they face a stern test away to Clontarf in Castle Avenue on Friday night with a 7.45pm start and they would love to see some friendly Lansdowne faces on the side line so again do your best to get over support the J1’s.

The fun times have returned to the J2’s & J3’s with great recent results but a great atmosphere in both squads and great support from each other at games as was very evident in their most recent victories away in St. Mary’s last week and at home v Wanderers last Friday Night. Great to see and a must watch for all members!

Our end of season tour San Sebastian & Biarritz is just about sold out with 60 brave souls travelling and deposits paid. There is the possibility of a splinter alickadoo shorter tour as well. Our tour fund raiser was a great success and the winner of the draw for the Premium 10 year tickets was Sean Breslin who is engaged to Aidan Delany’s daughter and is now a favourite of Aidan’s and best friend of future brother in law John. Well done Sean and enjoy the tickets! Thank you to all both within and outside of the club for your kind support. Keep an eye out for future events the boys have planned to raise more funds for their summer tour.

It is an honour and a privilege for Lansdowne FC to have Charlie Tector and Oisin Michel selected to the Irish Under 20 match day squad for their opening 6 Nations fixture on Friday night v Wales.

Charlie who is in his second year in Lansdowne, after joining us from Kilkenny College, missed last years tournament due to injury and it is a credit to him that he has bounced back better than ever and has established himself as a top AIL player. Oisin who is a standout player with our 20s, joined us in the summer from Cill Dara after graduating through their impressive youth system and has worked tirelessly to improve and to get to be an Irish International. Two impressive young men and there are a few more with us that can count themselves unlucky not to be involved but it is a long and tough tournament ahead and anything can happen, but they will be ready and well prepared if called upon. To Charlie & Oisin, on behalf of Lansdowne FC, congratulations to you and your families whose help and support have led to this opportunity enjoy it and go well. We look forward to seeing you both progress over the next 2 months.

We also want to, of course, wish our pro players Ronan Kelleher, Tadhg Beirne and Dan Sheehan the very best of luck in the upcoming 6 Nations and congratulations to them for making the final match day squad for the game against Wales on Saturday.

Speaking of Internationals, it was my great pleasure to welcome our Irish 7s Olympians to Lansdowne FC last Saturday at the pre match lunch, where I made a presentation to each on behalf of the members. Ian Fitzpatrick, Foster Horan & Adam Leavy were present while Mark Roche continues playing with the Irish 7s and was in action last week so was unable to attend. All fantastic young men who are a credit to the club and represent both Ireland and Lansdowne FC with distinction. To realise their dream and not only reach the 2020 Tokyo Olympics but preform in such a pressurised environment is a testament to their hard work and dedication and shows the calibre of men they are. Well done all!

Keep an eye out for our 150^th calendar of events which will soon be posted around the club house on our website and on social media channels

Keep safe, stay well and please do your best to get out and support at least one of our teams this weekend.

Regards,

Colin Goode

Club President 2020/22