01st September 2007

It is a great honour and privilege to serve as President of Armagh RFC for the season 2007 - 2008. It is hard to believe thirty years have passed since I was Captain of Armagh 1st XV and many will remember that was when we opened our new facilities at the Palace Grounds. Times have changed and the rugby world has most definitely changed.

Even a junior club such as our own now has to be more professionally focused on activities both on and off the pitch. Finance remains the bugbear of most clubs and we are currently in the midst of one of our largest-ever fundraising activities, namely the ‘win a house’ promotion.

As we gear up to the final draw in December, I would appeal to all members to make one final effort in selling tickets to ensure the maximum benefit is achieved for the club.

On the playing front, last season our First XV were crowned league champions by a comfortable margin and only a narrow defeat in the playoff match at City of Derry meant promotion to the All Ireland League was missed.

I know the coaches and players will be seeking even greater success in the incoming season on all fronts.

Of course a club is not just one team and our Second and Third XVs will be supported throughout the season along with our Ladies, Youth and Mini sections. We were particularly pleased with the success of our floodlit youth tournament and we look forward to its continued success this season.

No club can operate without the dedication of its volunteers and I want to thank everyone who gives their time and energy in every aspect of the running of our club. Of course we need more help in many different areas but particularly in helping with our under-age teams. If you can assist for a few hours a week, or even now and then, please let us know and we will welcome your assistance.

Finally, every club needs financial support and we thank our previous main sponsors Mervyn Wright and John McNally. It gives me great pleasure to welcome our new major sponsor this season, Hewitt Meats. We thank them for their financial assistance and thanks also to all our other sponsors, whether for matches, advertising panels or playing kit etc.

Remember Armagh Rugby Club is your club, so please support it by attending not only matches but also the social events that are critical in making a rugby club a success off the pitch. Above all, enjoy the rugby!

Yours in Rugby

Norman Morton
Club President