Portlaoise RFC welcome back former members for the Gathering

PORTLAOISE RFC had a gathering with a difference on Monday 29 December. On the occasion several members who are now playing with AIL clubs, but who started playing rugby out in Togher as juveniles, were invited back.

The idea was first muted some months back and came to fruition on Monday. In recent years former Portlaoise RFC juvenile players have progressed to play with top AIL clubs including the likes of Clontarf, Terenure, Cork Con, Naas, Nenagh Ormond, Shannon, Buccaneers and others.

Over the course of the day the club’s senior teams linked up with the AIL lads for a special joint lunchtime training session, everyone back together on the one pitch.

In the afternoon the clubhouse came to life with live music, a mighty session and plenty of craic, along with a mountain of pizzas.

The doors were open to all members, old, new, past players, friends and family. Whether you wore the jersey years ago or you are only getting to know the club now, you were welcome come on down and be part of the occasion.

Probably the most important aspect of the gathering was to remind these young players, that while they are now plying their wares away from Togher, Togher will always be their rugby home.

It was stressed that this was not any sort of an attempt to lure them back to Portlaoise but to say that down the road they would always be welcome in Togher whether that be on the playing field or in the more social surroundings of the clubhouse.