More than 600 former rugby players, administrators, and supporters attended Galwegians RFC 90th birthday celebrations at the Radisson Blu Hotel on St Patricks Day.
Guest of honour, President Michael D Higgins, said the club had made a significant contribution to local and national rugby, developing players who had represented Ireland at all levels in the game, while also providing six presidents of the IRFU.
Earlier in the day the celebrations got under way at the traditional Glynn Cup and the Langan Trophy festival, but on this occasion it was city rivals Corinthians who claimed the honours. Hundreds of mini-rugby players from both clubs took part in the event, while 12 teams competed for the main trophies - from seniors down to u-13s.
Corinthians drew first blood when the 3rd XV were winners, before the u-19s finished all square. However Corinthians’ u-16s gained another point in their contest before Wegians won the next three contests at u-14, u-21, and u-17 levels.
The Cloonacauneen outfit gained two more points with the u-15 and 2nd XV prevailing, while honours were shared by the u-13 teams.
With Corinthians leading the contest by one point, Galwegians Ladies ran in two late tries to gain a draw at the death in what was very exciting contest.
This ensuured the Glynn Cup would be decided by the seniors with Corinthains requiring only a draw to retain the trophy with the Langan Trophy already in the bag. Both sides started under strength, but Wegians were first to score after fullback Daragh Leader kicked a perfect drop goal. Just before the break Corinthians got in for an opportunist try when scrumhalf Mick O’Flynn went blind and popped the ball to second row Gary Warde who scored.
The second half was a tame affair, but it was the Cloonacauneen outfit that eventually won out by 6-3 to retain the Glynn Cup which was presented by Adrian Glynn to winning captain Fionn Gormley. Vivian Langan was also in attendance to present the Langan Trophy to the Corinthian outfit.
Later in the evening more than 600 Galwegians attended the 90th birthday celebrations at the Radisson Blu Hotel with guest of honour, President Michael D Higgins and guest speaker John Killeen.
