January is the first month in what is set to be a year long celebration of all things City of Armagh Rugby Football Club (RFC) to mark their incredible 150 year anniversary.
Those associated with City of Armagh RFC will undoubtedly know just what those 150 years symbolise. For those less familiar, this significant anniversary is quite simply a testament to the sheer commitment, dedication, spirit and tenacity of its committee, players and volunteers – without whom the club would never have reached the heights it has.
The club set up a small sub committee in 2023 to plan the year of celebrations, led by William Boyd and assisted by Don McDowell, Evan Morton and Karen Graham.
It was the club’s Marketing Convenor, Evan Morton who spoke to Armagh I outlining the club’s journey to where it is today.
Evan explained that Armagh’s historic Mall was where rugby began in the city and the former Beresford Hotel looked after the teams before and after matches. The cricket pavilion was then shared for many years but with a growing club, more than one pitch was needed.
Thanks to the foresight of men like David Black and Leeman Allen, the club were able to seize upon an opportunity to relocate to the Palace Grounds, where they remain to this day.
Of those early days, Evan said: “I think it was 1978 when the clubhouse opened and back then it was state-of-the-art, modern and it has a fantastic setting. It was the envy of clubs in Ulster and further afield.”
1909-10 Junior and Towns Cup winning team
Visiting teams from Leinster and Munster frequently complimented the club on their fantastic setting.
Understandably, as the years ticked by, the premises began to show the signs of its age.
So, in 2019, the current committee drew up a five-year plan to reinvigorate their home and, as it stands today, they are very much enjoying the fruits of that labour with an extended and modernised clubhouse.
The building work provided new changing rooms, a modern entrance foyer and a lift for disabled visitors in what Evan described as “a big transformation for us”.
The development was largely made possible through consistent fundraising within the club – something the membership is proud of.
1964-65 team including current club members John Kingston and Wendell Magwood
For Evan, the secret to the club’s success today lies in their establishment of strong Youth and Mini Rugby foundations.
“Having strong, vibrant youth and mini sections is very much what we have focussed on,” he explained.
“We put a big focus on Mini Rugby in the 1980s and 90s, led by Paul McCord and the many convenors that have followed and at the minute we are bearing the fruits of the player pathway it creates. We have over 250 children registered and playing every Saturday morning with a host of 60-70 volunteers to coach them and take them to games and that really sets the foundation for the club.
“Rugby starts now at P1/P2 and they move up through the various age groups before they go into our Youth Section, for boys at 14s, 16s and 18s. Our girl’s section starts now at u10s with teams also at u12, u14, u16 right up to u18s.
“An exciting development at the club is the relaunch of a senior women’s team and convenor Karen Graham and her team of volunteers deserve a lot of credit.
“We are a totally cross-community club and we have something like 30 to 40 schools involved throughout the various age level teams. Our P7 minis, for example, went on tour last year to Spain and there were 33 primary schools represented on that trip which was amazing.
Gala Ball gold sponsor Taranto. L-R: Club Chairman John Callaghan, Richard Morton, David McCartney, John Stenson and Club President, Tim Taylor
“They are going back this year and they have a bigger tour party travelling because of the anniversary. I think there are 104 travelling in total including parents, so it’s a big undertaking.
“Harry Doyle, our community rugby officer, does amazing work with local primary and secondary schools to promote rugby to boys and girls, many trying the sport for the first time. Regular blitzes are run at the club which gives the children a great opportunity to play against each other and forge new friendships.”
Like many sports, involvement with the club can bring opportunities for representative honours and the club has had many players, both boys and girls, selected for Ulster and Ireland at various age levels.
Reflecting on the achievement of former players, Evan continued: “Some of our players have won representative honours for Ireland, the most famous being the great Bobby Barnes, who while still an Armagh player, was capped in 1934 against Wales, and was a key figure in a famous Irish victory in Belfast.
“In the 1980s, Brian McCall played for Ireland. He had won the Schools Cup at the Royal School before playing at Queens and London Irish, but was always an Armagh player, born and bred. He’s back living in Armagh now and involved with the club and it’s great to see him each Saturday.
2024-2025 First xv
“Current TV celebrity, Tommy Bowe is also associated with the Armagh club, having gone to the Royal School and before he went to Queen’s University, he had his first senor match at the club before an illustrious career with Ulster, Ireland and the British & Irish Lions.
“Shea O’Brien is another local player who had a professional contract with Ulster Rugby and he started playing Mini Rugby in Armagh when he was five years old. He played for all our youth teams and was part of a very successful under 18s team that won cups and leagues.”
Now, halfway through the current season, City of Armagh RFC are already off to an incredible start – and they have hopes of taking home a cup and league double in their anniversary year.
“Our First XV is playing in Division 1A of the All-Ireland League, which is top tier. This is our second season in it and we are currently in 8th place in the league table.
“It has been a real adventure this last 12 years, progressing from a junior club right up to the top of the ladder in Irish club rugby, which is an amazing achievement and fingers crossed we can stay in the top league this season.
“Before Christmas we won the Ulster League Stevenson Shield when we beat Dungannon in the final so it’s great to have a trophy under our belts this year.
“Coming up in March, we have a Senior Cup semi-final when we will be travelling to play Ballynahinch, a very tough assignment. The boys would very much like to do the cup and league double in our 150th year and that would be a tremendous achievement.”
Past Captains
As part of their anniversary celebrations the club have already held a reunion for past Presidents and Captains which kicked off last weekend, (Saturday January 4), hosted by the current club president, Tim Taylor.
“We were delighted to arrange a reunion for 60 Past Captains and Past Presidents and our 1967 captain, Greer Robinson was one of many present for a super afternoon in the clubhouse,” said Evan.
“Also attending the lunch was Ronnie Chambers, a former player, now 90 years old, and he was telling us about playing for Armagh against Trinity College in 1951 when he was just 18, which was terrific to hear.”
The club are also gearing up for their much-anticipated Gala Ball at the Armagh City Hotel in June. The ‘Black Tie’ affair will see hundreds gather for a glittering evening of dinner and entertainment.
Past Presidents
Among those in attendance will be esteemed guest speakers, Bryan Habana, a former international player from South Africa; former Irish international, Rob Kearney, Su Carty from the IRFU and of course, Armagh’s own Tommy Bowe.
Concluding, Evan took the opportunity to thank every volunteer in the club, whom he says essentially are the driving force behind the club making it the success it is.
“Many of our volunteers are former players, such as secretary, Richard Black, and many have decades of service, showing great dedication, commitment and pride.
“Like many organisations, the club now needs a generation of new volunteers to continue the hard work to ensure the club continues to thrive in the years to come.
“Everyone is welcome at City of Armagh Rugby Club which continues to be at the heart of the local community.”