As we enter September, kids go back to school, holidays are over and training intensifies for all of our teams as we prepare for the season ahead, it all sounds so normal but as we all well know  the reality is very far from normal. We are in unprecedented times but we are doing our best to keep the mood positive in Lansdowne FC. We are very fortunate to have a very strong and capable Covid Compliance team for our rugby teams led by Kieran Walsh and enforced by all team managers and Directors of Rugby as will be the case with Brian Moran and his team when youths and minis return on September 13^th. Off the field Michael & Elayne are preparing to open up the clubhouse for a third weekend in a row for Pro 14 Games. The previous two weekends have been great success’s and the feedback has bee very positive. If you wish to attend the eagerly awaited rematch of Leinster v Munster this Friday please remember that pre booking, registration and payment are essential if wish to attend, no walk ups will be allowed entry. Numbers are of course limited as per Government & Health Guidelines so first come first served.

Our senior squad head to St. Mary’s this weekend to play in a training pre-season game but unfortunately no spectators will be allowed and indeed the players are subject to very strict conditions, no changing rooms or showers and no entry to the clubhouse before, after or during the game. The squad has been in great form in training and working very hard under head coach Mark McHugh and S&C Coach Dan Moore and Captain Jack Dwan. The lads are chomping at the bit to get back into playing competitive rugby. Our first League game will be at home on Saturday October 3^rd v Old Wesley with seniors KO at 2.30pm and J1s at 5.00pm and we are all hoping that restrictions will be eased to allow us spectators back to enjoy the game we so much miss, we will keep you updated as we get closer and more fixtures for 20s and Juniors get released.

As of next Monday all teams including our new Under 20 Pennant team & J2’s & 3’s will all be back training along with youths with the minis to follow Sunday week. It seemed very unlikely in the dark days of late March and April that this would happen but thankfully it has and huge thanks to all in the club for making this happen, it has taken a lot of hard work and time to get here and it is important that is acknowledged by us all.

Our 150^th Committee chaired by the very capable Michael Ryan is fully up and running with sub committees for events in 2022/23 Season working away to ensure our 150^th year celebrations will be a great series of events worthy of such a historical occasion and inclusive to all. WE will keep you updated throughout the year and let you know what is planned.

AS always please do your best to support your club, keep the memberships coming in join the club draw and support all events that you can, we are here for nearly 150 years due to members support make sure we are here for at least another 150 years and beyond by continuing that generous support. We are lucky to have some great sponsors all posted on our website so a huge thank you to them for standing by us in these strange times and I encourage all of you to support our sponsors as often as you can.

The office and gym are still restricted areas and if you need to call by please ensure you use the front entrance and buzzer system where you will be guided to sanitise and register as a visitor. As always I wish all of our members and their families well and to keep in contact with each other, the phones still work so don’t be afraid to give an old friend a call to catch up or check in on each other.

Stay Safe!

Colin Goode

President 2020-21