Rearcross Football Club
(Website: www.rearcrossfc.com) 

 

The Club is celebrating 30 years of soccer in the North Tipperary & District League this season and indeed how time has flown during the intervening years. In fact, the inception of soccer in Rearcross dates back to 1966 with some memorable games  taking place to the Club’s affiliation to the NT&DL in August 1983 and we would like to acknowledge the staunch contribution of Johnny Gleeson during those early years. There have been many highlights during the 30 year period, however Tipperary Cup glory for Rearcross ‘A’ in 2007, a Third Division League Title for Rearcross ‘B’ in 2005 and a Youths Shield Title in 2007 would be up there amongst our greatest achievements. Rearcross have already clinched the First Division Shield Title this season and hopes are high that more silverware can be added before the season is out to commemorate our 30th anniversary in style.

The yearly schedule of events kicked off with an Underage Christmas Disco held in our Clubhouse on the 22nd December 2012 which proved to be an enjoyable event.

Our annual Bag Packing Fundraiser took place during the last weekend of January in Dunne’s Stores, Parkway Shopping Centre and we would like to thank all 51 volunteers for making the event a success.

The Club won an Underage Kit including Jerseys, Togs & Socks at the end of January,  the Club needed to collect 300 Irish Daily Star mastheads to claim our prize which was done in extremes as we received a total of 528 mastheads following our public appeal, thanks to all patrons for their help.

Well done to Rearcross FC Players Patrick Dawson, Cathal Kennedy and Stephen Rochford who completed the NTSFL U-10 Academy at St Mary’s Secondary School Newport last March.

Rearcross U-16’s were crowned Division One League Winners on the 1st April following a thrilling 4-1 win over Arra Rovers at the Nenagh Brickfields venue, well done to all Players and to Team Managers Declan O’Toole and Eamon Devitt on this fine achievement.

Rearcross U-10’s completed their League campaign with an end of season Blitz at Nenagh Brickfields on the 14th April, well done to all players.

Newtown was the venue for the U-13 Shield Final on the 21st April where Rearcross met strong opposition from Moneygall before finishing with the runners up accolade on a three nil score line, nevertheless Rearcross turned in a spirited display against Premier Division opposition.

Rearcross National School fielded two teams in the FAI Primary School Competition in Newhill Park at the end of April with Rearcross ‘A’ qualifying for the last four from a total entry of 70 teams before losing out to the eventual winners. Well done to Players and Team Manager Noel Deegan. Thanks to Rearcross National School for facilitating participation in the competition.

The John Giles Foundation Walk took place on the 20th June which was a local event this year, thanks to walk participants and patrons for their sponsorship of the event.

The Club held a Fundraising Community Day on the 1st July which proved to be a fine success despite the inclement weather conditions. The day commenced with the Slieve Felim Community Cycle which was followed with numerous events including exhibition soccer game between Tipperary and Limerick All Star selections, Over 35 and U-11 soccer tournaments, donkey derby, bouncy castles, cake sale, gala raffle, commodity auction, face painting, donkey cart / pony rides. Thanks to all participants, sponsors and donors for making the event a success with a special word of thanks to those who attended in large numbers despite the poor weather conditions.

Newport AFC defeated Donohill / Doon following a penalty shootout in the Final of the Ann Kennedy Tournament on the 10th August to give Newport their fourth Tournament title.

Congratulations to Liam O’Toole (‘A’ Player of the Year) and Derek Kennedy (‘B’ Team Player of the Year) who were awarded the Player of the Year accolades for the 2011/2012 season.

The Club’s 12th FAI Summer School took place during the third week of August with 88 participants in attendance, thanks to all for making the event a success despite the
difficult weather conditions throughout the week.

Our third Scrap Collection Fundraiser was held on the 26th August, a wide range of items were donated once again and we express our gratitude to all those who supported the event.

We are always honoured to have Rearcross FC players involved with FAI Emerging Talent Programmes and well done once again to Grace O’Toole, Pat O’Toole, Patrick Carey and Patrick Deegan who represented the Club with respective NTSFL Emerging Talent squads. Congratulations to Patrick Deegan who won a Munster Final medal with NTSLF U-15’s at the end of April and to Patrick Carey who was part of the NTSFL side that were victorious over Mayo in the Trophy Final of the Kennedy Cup competition on the 15th June.

Rearcross Dramatic Society staged “A Wake in the West” as a joint Fundraising venture for Rearcross National School and Rearcross FC on Friday 28th September which proved to be an all-round success, our gratitude to Rearcross Dramatic Society and Rearcross Community Council for their help and cooperation and indeed our thanks to all those who purchased tickets and also to spot prize donors.

Saturday 6th October was a momentous occasion for the Club in our 30th season of NT&DL football as we hosted the NT&DL First Division Shield Final between Rearcross and Ardcroney under Floodlights in Rearcross with the home side emerging 4-1 winners. Well done to all Players and to Team Management of Eamon Devitt, Simon Kennedy and Diarmuid Sheehy.

The Club’s All Weather Playing Area continues to be a valuable amenity, our Gymnasium is opened Monday to Friday from 7:00PM to 9:00PM with Ladies only slot from 7:00PM to 8:00PM, nightly membership rates available.

Revenue from Bilboa lotto ticket sales continues to be a vital source of income for the Club as we work to clear the Club’s remaining debt. We express our gratitude once again to the general public for their continuous support, thanks to the business outlets where tickets are sold on a weekly basis and finally thanks to those Club members for their help with ticket selling activities, additional help always welcome.

The Club’s activities throughout the year such as fixtures, match reports, pictures and other events etc... can be viewed on www.rearcrossfc.com

Last but not least, our thanks once again to our Sponsors and to all those who helped and contributed to the Club in so many ways throughout the past twelve months.
We express our condolences to the Quigley family on the untimely death of Kieran and also to other families who were bereaved during the year.

Finally, I would like to take this opportunity on behalf of Rearcross F.C. to wish all at home and abroad a Happy Christmas and Best Wishes for 2013

Ger Kennedy
Rearcross FC Secretary