It is a huge honour and privilege to lead Monkstown into the 2025/26 season, our second year back in the AIL. On behalf of the squad, I want to extend a warm welcome to all our members, supporters, and visitors to Sydney Parade. We are excited for the season ahead and look forward to sharing it with you.

Firstly, I would like to pay special thanks to Tony McGinness for his outstanding leadership as captain over the past two seasons. Tony set the standard both on and off the field, and we are delighted he is continuing with us for another year.

I would also like to acknowledge the incredible effort of our coaching team - Paddy Thornton, Danny Riordan, Sean Ruane, Derek “Babs” Dowling, Diarmuid Murphy and Sean O’Brien, who we are sad to lose this year. The time and effort they put in last season were immense, and I think it really showed in the team’s strong post-Christmas performances. We are determined to build on those foundations as we push for promotion this year.

We are also delighted to welcome Dave Cave, who joins us from Malone RFC as player-coach, to take charge of our forwards. His experience will be a huge addition to the club, and we look forward to working with him.

A special mention must also go to our incoming President, David “Manners” Mahon. For more than a decade, Manners has been a driving force within Monkstown, and his dedication has played a huge part in the club’s recent successes. On behalf of the squad, I want to congratulate him and wish him every success in his new role.

Finally, to our players, families, friends, bar staff, committee, grounds team, and kitchen crew -thank you. Your support, hard work, and loyalty are instrumental to the smooth running of the club.

We look forward to seeing you all back at Sydney Parade throughout the season, and with your backing, we will give everything to make 2025/26 a year to remember.

Tristan Brady
Club Captain 2025/26