Officially known as Clontarf Football Club, our origins date back to 1876, predating both the Irish Rugby Football Union and the Football Association of Ireland. This historical legacy grants us the rare distinction of retaining the title "Football Club," a nod to our longstanding place in Irish sport. Our iconic blue and red colours likely originated from the local Boat Club and have proudly represented our teams ever since.

Our crest features a bull, inspired by the name "Clontarf" – or Cluain Tarbh in Irish – meaning Meadow of the Bull. These colours and this symbol are worn with pride by our U-12 squad, who continue to carry the values of the club with spirit and determination.

In March, we had the pleasure of welcoming three wonderful London Irish teams – two boys' sides and one girls' team – to Clontarf. Despite a fire at Heathrow threatening to derail the trip, the tour went ahead and was a resounding success. Special thanks to Paul Charles, whose tireless efforts were even picked up by national media – well deserved!

Our underage structure is thriving, with over 600 boys and girls aged 6–12 currently playing at the club. It was here that Brian O'Driscoll first picked up a rugby ball, following in the footsteps of his father and grandfather – both Clontarf stalwarts. Today, our club is in exceptional health, fresh from winning the Men's All-Ireland League and the U-20 League and Cup double.

Clontarf has also proudly produced several internationals who have worn the green jersey, including Cian Healy, Fergus Dunlea, James Downey, JJ Fortune, Paddy Lawlor, Tadhg Furlong, Ian Keatley, Joey Carbery, and Mick McGrath.

Women's rugby is flourishing too, and we're especially proud of Fiona Coghlan, a former Clontarf player who captained Ireland to a Six Nations Grand Slam and became the first woman inducted into the IRFU Hall of Fame.

Our U-12 squad travelled with a touring party of 48 kids and parents, fielding three teams who all played superb rugby throughout the tournament. A particular highlight was reaching the Cup Final, where we narrowly lost to a very strong Beccehamian side. Along the way, we faced fantastic opposition from clubs including Dolphin, Trojans, Windsor, Hampstead, North Kildare, Brentwood, DLSP, Maidenhead, Canvey Island, Old Grammarians, and Deal & Betteshanger.

It was a brilliant day of rugby, camaraderie, and sportsmanship. We're incredibly proud of our players, grateful for our committed coaches and parents, and excited about the future — and the friendships built on tours like these.

A heartfelt thank you to London Irish Amateur for your exceptional hospitality, continued friendship, and a fantastic tournament. The kids (and the parents!) had an unforgettable time.

Rossa Malone
Head Coach, Clontarf U-12s
On behalf of all the coaches, players, and parents