Longford Rugby Club Auld Blacks Awards a nostalgic night for the ages

Longford RFC clubhouse played host to a very special occasion on Friday evening last week with the relaunching of The Auld Blacks Awards.

 Originally formed in 2010, The Auld Blacks is at its core a past players community that includes volunteers and supporters that have together made the Club what it is today – one of Ireland's most progressive and fastest growing Rugby Clubs.

The Rugby Club looked resplendent as it welcomed guests from across the decades of its proud history. Several returning visitors were reunited with old friends with tales of yesteryear recounted to audible laughter at the bar as the main event approached. Over 140 guests made their way to their tables for a dinner prepared with great care by Andrew Reynolds and his team. The scene was set for a fantastic occasion.

Mike Magan (Chairman, LRFC) was MC for the evening and got events underway with a fantastic opening speech that set the tone for a remarkable few hours to follow. Donagh McDonnell (President, LRFC) followed with a warm welcome to all in attendance and shared his own observations as to the importance of their support for the Club. 

Next to address the audience was Mark Quinn on behalf of the Auld Blacks. Mark gave a comprehensive overview of the Auld Blacks mission and how the Club hoped to grow the Auld Blacks community. He also shared some of the exciting plans currently in train by Longford Rugby Club and how important that the next phases of the club’s journey is continually improved to cater for our future generations.

The first Award of the evening was the Women’s Players Hall of Fame which was deservedly presented to Nuala McGoey. Nuala has been a stalwart of the Women’s division since its inception in 2006 and has proudly represented the Club both as a player and up to last season as Senior Women’s Head Coach.

The next Award to be presented was the Men’s Players Hall of Fame and there was huge applause as Steve Coy Snr was announced as this year’s winner. Steve has been involved with Longford RFC as a Player, Captain, Senior Men’s Coach, President and in more recent years Rugby Development officer for the regional schools’ programme. A life of true and selfless service was recognised for one of the Club’s great Characters.

The final Award Category of the evening was for Lifetime Contribution to Longford RFC. This award is a non-playing related accolade that celebrates a member of the club for their tireless service over the years. 

It was a significant coincidence that in his Players Hall of Fame acceptance speech Steve Coy referenced some of the people that make the Club so special and in doing so complimented June and Robert Belton as true examples of the very best of Longford Rugby Club. 

In what was a truly unscripted Segway, Mike Magan then had the pleasure of announcing June and Robert Belton as the winners of the 2024 Auld Blacks Lifetime Contribution to LRFC Award.

To rapturous applause and a standing ovation, two of the Club’s greatest characters together took to the stage to accept their Award. In what was an emotional acceptance speech, both Robert & June thanked everyone for their Award and shared some of their many memories of the Club over the years. Two more worthy winners there could not have been!

And with that the formalities of the evening drew to a close. After what was a hugely popular set of Award Announcements, the atmosphere in the Rugby Club was electric and the scene was set for the France v Ireland match which kicked off soon after. 

A long and famous night in the Rugby Club followed where old friends reacquainted and many a yarn was told of times past. It was a truly special occasion that for those who were lucky to be there will live long in the memory. 

The recipients of Longford RFC Auld Blacks Award 

Pictured (left to right): Longford Rugby Club Chairman Mike Magan presenting the Men’s Players Hall of Fame Award to Steve Coy Senior.

Longford Rugby Club President Donagh McDonnell and Vice-President Karen Lennon presenting the Women’s Players Hall of Fame Award to a thrilled Nuala McGoey.

Robert and June Belton accepting their Lifetime Contribution to Longford Rugby Club Award on Friday evening last.