It is hard to believe that another season is upon us. This season is sepecial however, as we are back where we belong in the 1st division of the AIB All Ireland League. I am honoured and delighted to be president of this wonderful club in such a great year. For me personally I have played for many years here at Young Munster R.F.C. and I cannot tell you how much this great honour means to me and my family. I have made many, many friends through rugby and I am looking forward to greeting old and making new friends this year. That is what makes rugby the best sport in the world. It is the breaking down of all barriers at all levels. Once the final whistle goes the shake hands, the pint and the banter, is to me, what it is all about. I hope to have a very successful year and I will represent Young Munster R.F.C. to the best of my ability. It will be a tough challenge for us all but I believe that a club like ours, supported by brilliant fans, will once more take our place at the top of the domestic game.

Alot of work has been put in, both on the field and in the backround over the last few years to secure success last season. To everyone involved, too many to mention, a big thank you to you all.

On behalf of myself and our commitee I would like to take this opportunity to extend a warm welcome to all visiting teams and supporters to Tom Clifford park and I hope you have a very enjoyable and memorable visit with us.

I would like to thank our main sponsors Bus Eireann, Solus, The Corner Flag, McMahon O' Brien Auctioneers and Metro office supplies, as without their support we could not survive.

Please let me acknowledge the companies and individual's that support us time and time again with fund raising events, success last year is also very much down to you all. As you can imagine it is very expensive to run a rugby club and all your efforts are greatly appreciated. On the playing front I would like to congratulate Munster and winning Captain our very own Paul O' Connell on such an amazing achievement. I want to wish all our club teams, at every level the very best of luck for the new season. To Paul, Keith and Mike and all our Munster and Ireland representatives at all ages have a great season.

Let me welcome our newly formed womens teams, we are delighted to have you representing our club. To all the coaches and volunteers who give up their precious time to make our club a great club. Thank you so much.

It now just remains for me to once again thank you for being with us today and I hope you will return in the not so distant future. You are always welcome at Tom Clifford Park.

Yours in Sport

Declan Edwards
President