BALLYMUN and Finglas aren’t areas usually associated
with top class rugby but all that’s changing thanks to Unidare Rugby Football
Club.
Unidare was originally formed from members drawn from
the old Unidare factory works in Finglas and when it closed the club was forced
to survive a nomadic existence before moving to Dublin City University sports
grounds on Ballymun Road.
Recently the club moved to a new home at Balcurris
Park in Ballymun where it trains and plays homes matches. Unidare currently
play in the Junior section of the Leinster Branch Metropolitan League and are
now a real force to be reckoned with.
Earlier this month the club brought the Heineken Cup
to Ballymun for the Unidare Rugby open day. The wet weather on the day didn’t
dampen spirits as players and officials posed between showers for a quick photo
with local councillor Paul McAuliffe (FF).
“With Ireland making it to the final stages of the
World Cup, I hope we can inspire more young people in Dublin 11 to get more
involved in sport,
? he said.
“In the past there has been a view that Rugby is a bit
of a Southside sport and I suppose there is more of a tradition there, but I
see no reason why we cant see the sport grow north of the river.
“I’ve only enjoyed watching Ireland and Leinster rugby
teams play since I was introduced to the game in college, I’m only sorry there
wasn’t a strong local team in the area when I was a kid.
“I hope Unidare’s new home in Ballymun will help
change that.”