Presidents Message

Dear Friends, Members, and Guests of Monkstown FC,

It is a true honour to have been elected President of Monkstown Football Club for the upcoming season.

My journey at Sydney Parade began in July 2012 when I took over as Head Coach. At the time, Gerry Hegarty was Club President, and in the subsequent 12 seasons, we’ve experienced three promotions and one relegation, climbing from third-from-bottom in Leinster League 1B to fifth place in AIL 2C. It’s been an incredible journey, and one I feel privileged to have been part of.

After ten seasons coaching the 1st XV, and a further two years serving as Co-Director of Rugby alongside Brian Hogan, I’d like to think I’ve come to understand the DNA of this fantastic and storied club. While I never had the opportunity to play for Monkstown, I did have the pleasure of playing against them.

One thing that always stood out, then as now, was the warm welcome which was always extended at Sydney Parade. Monkstown has long been known for its off-pitch hospitality, and rightly so. I’d like to take this opportunity to extend a warm welcome to all visiting teams and their supporters. We hope you enjoy your time at Sydney Parade and wish you the very best for the season ahead.

I also want to extend my best wishes to Head Coach Paddy Thornton and his coaching team, Babs Dowling, Danny Riordan, and Dave Cave. They have our total support. I’d also like to thank Sean O’Brien for his efforts as forwards coach over the past two seasons and wish him the best as he steps away. 

Congratulations also to our new Club Captain, Tristan Brady, on his appointment, an honour well-deserved.

It would also be inappropriate not to recognise our captain of the last two years, Tony McGinnis and also to congratulate him on the arrival of his new baby, Isla. 

As with every great club, we rely on the dedication of our volunteers and the generosity of our sponsors. Whether it’s running teams, organising fundraisers, sitting on committees, or supporting our minis, your contributions are the lifeblood of Monkstown FC. On behalf of the club, thank you for all that you do.

Finally, congratulations to Donal Courtney and Tommy Lehane on their elections as Senior and Junior Vice Presidents, respectively. I’d also like to acknowledge Peter Fagan for his efforts as outgoing President. 

I look forward to the months ahead with great optimism. Let’s see where the season takes us.

The game is afoot!

Yours in Rugby 

David “Manners”

Mahon