New 4g rugby facility opens named after Kilkenny legend Willie Duggan
The new 4G rugby facility represents a significant addition to sporting life at Rockwell College, providing students with a high-quality, all-weather environment for training, development and competition
A new sporting facility has been opened at Rockwell College named after one of Kilkenny’s greatest-ever sportspeople.
The official opening of Willie Duggan Park, its new 4G rugby facility, took place at the weekend. The occasion brought together members of the Rockwell community, past pupils, supporters and invited guests to celebrate the completion of the new facility and to recognise the people whose generosity and support helped make the development possible.
The day began with a Donors’ Lunch in the Senior Refectory, where those who contributed to the development were welcomed by the college and thanked for their support. Following the lunch, guests gathered at Willie Duggan Park for the official opening ceremony, where Rockwell College was delighted to welcome back past pupil, former Munster and Ireland international Denis Leamy to formally open the new facility.
Guests of Honour included members of the family of the late Willie Duggan, after whom the new facility has been named.
Denis Leamy’s return to Rockwell for the opening also provided a fitting link between generations of the college’s rugby tradition. A past pupil of Rockwell, Leamy went on to represent Munster and Ireland at the highest level.
“Thanks to all for building this wonderful facility, and for giving us the opportunity to invest in rugby and to develop all that’s good about the game of rugby,” said Leamy.
The new 4G rugby facility represents a significant addition to sporting life at Rockwell College, providing students with a high-quality, all-weather environment for training, development and competition.
Speaking at the opening, Rockwell College Principal Audrey O’Byrne reflected on the significance of the development for the college and its students.
“Willie Duggan Park is a fantastic addition to Rockwell College and, most importantly, a facility that our students will benefit from for many years to come,” he said. It will provide further opportunities for participation, development and enjoyment of sport, and we are immensely grateful to everyone who helped make it possible.”
Alongside the opening of Willie Duggan Park, Rockwell College continues to offer students access to a wide range of academic, sporting, music and co-curricular facilities across its campus. Prospective students and families will have an opportunity to experience life at Rockwell for themselves in the coming weeks, with a Boarding Taster Night on Friday, October 2, followed by the College’s Open Day on Saturday, October 3, from 10am to 1pm, with the principal’s address taking place at 10.15am.
Rockwell College extends its sincere thanks to all those who contributed to the development of Willie Duggan Park, and to everyone who joined the college community to mark this special occasion.