All of us at London Irish Amateur RFC would like to wish our friends at Ballyhaunis RFC the very best of luck in this Sunday’s Curley Cup Final — a competition that carries huge meaning, heritage, and heart.

The Curley Cup, created by Connacht Rugby in memory of Hugh Curley — a founder of Ballyhaunis RFC — celebrates everything that makes grassroots rugby special: commitment, inclusion, friendship, and a true sense of community. Every year, the final is held at Ballyhaunis RFC, with the trophy presented by Hugh’s wife @RosaleenCurley or son, @Mark Curley Club Hon Treasurer (and bingo fundraising legend we are told). Of course they hope this year they’ll be handing it to a Ballyhaunis !

Ballyhaunis RFC has long been recognised as a benchmark club — a shining example of how to grow a rugby community from the ground up. Their spirit, inclusiveness, and dedication to providing opportunities for all mirror the very same values that drive London Irish Amateur RFC.

The connection between our clubs runs deep — through shared Irish roots, community values, and family ties. Hugh’s son, Hugh Jr., played his early rugby as a mini and youth with Ballyhaunis, then Cistercian College Roscrea before later pulling on the London Irish jersey. Today, he coaches here at London Irish, while his four sons — Hugh Senior’s grandsons — all proudly play in the green of London Irish Amateur RFC. The circle of rugby, family, and friendship continues. ?? Of course the University of Galway alumni at London Irish will be keen to keep the competitive rivalry going for Hugh here in London too !

From all of us at LIARFC — go well on Sunday on Ballyhaunis. Let the final be a celebration of your hard work, your spirit, and the values of rugby that unite us all.

And no doubt University of Galway RFC will prove a formidable opponent, and we congratulate your progress to the final.

Best of luck to all.

#OnceAGreenAlwaysAGreen #BallyhaunisRFC #CurleyCup #LondonIrishAmateurRFC #ConnachtRugby #NUIGRugbyClub #GrassrootsRugby #RugbyFamily #CommunityRugby #InclusiveRugby #IrishRugby #RugbyValues #OneClubOneFamily #GoBallyhaunis #CistercianCollegeRoscrea #CCR #IRFU