Change at the top sees Hugo Griffin take over from David Kerr as Portlaoise RFC President

IT was a time of change at this year’s Portlaoise RFC annual general meeting. After two prosperous and very busy seasons, President David Kerr was replaced in his position by Hugo Griffin who will now hold the role for two years.

Over the past two season the club has flourished at both adult and youths levels in both men and women’s side of the club.

David’s two season at the helm came to a outstanding conclusion with the club’s 1st XV winning promotion when getting the better of Roscrea in the last game of their league campaign.

Than a couple of week’s later the club’s 2nd XV won the Leinster Branch Michael Dunne Cup.

Hugo Griffin is something of a club stalwart telling the AGM that his first venture to the club grounds in Togher was walking out along the old railway line to Culnamona when he a few of his young friends from Marian Avenue decided to give this rugby game a crack.

And as they say, the rest is history.

Welcoming Huge to his new role the club said:

“Hugo steps into the role at an exciting time for Portlaoise RFC. Senior promotion secured, the Dunne Cup back in the cabinet and our new floodlights underway. Hugo takes the chain at a club, moving forward in every direction.

“We know Hugo will bring the same warmth, common sense and love for PRFC that he has shown over many seasons as a member, coach, supporter and volunteer.

Welcoming Huge to his new role, the club said:

“On behalf of everyone at Portlaoise RFC - players, parents, coaches, committee, volunteers and supporters, fáilte, Hugo. We are right behind you.” 

They also paid tribute to outgoing president, David Kerr on his tremendous work on behalf of the club over the past two years.

“David showed up to home games and away days, to youth fixtures and senior finals, to committee nights and quiet midweek training sessions. He travelled to support our players at the Women's Rugby Cup, because that is the kind of President he was. Wherever PRFC was represented, David was there.

“His passion for good rugby, played the right way, leaves a real imprint on this club. He championed the youth section, backed our coaches and volunteers, and kept the values of PRFC at the heart of every decision.

“On behalf of every player, parent, coach, committee member, volunteer and supporter, thank you, David. The club is in a better place for your service.

“David is not going anywhere. He stays with us as a PRFC man through and through, and we look forward to seeing him on the sideline for many seasons to come.” 

Also on the night Mark Kelly, who captained the seconds to their Dunne Cup glory was unveiled as Club Captain for the coming season.