President’s Address 2026/27
It is a great honour and privilege for me to serve as President of Young Munster RFC for the 2026/27 season, and one that fills me with a deep sense of pride and gratitude. Young Munster has given me great pleasure having started this journey at under 12, through all underage, junior and being part of a great senior side through the eighties, it gives me great satisfaction that this bond and friendship is still there & strong as ever.
I look forward to representing our Club and with the guidance, support and assistance of all our great volunteers, to serving the Club to the very best of my ability throughout the season ahead. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank my family for their continued support as I take on this role.
It gives me great pleasure to extend a warm welcome to everyone who visits Tom Clifford Park this season. To those who are here regularly, and to those who may be visiting us less frequently — including opposition players, coaches, management, supporters and, of course, our match officials — I hope you enjoy your visit to Tom Clifford Park, whatever the result and no matter how long your stay may be.
I would like to congratulate Alan Kennedy on his appointment as Club Captain, his 9th season leading the charge. Alan is a true leader, both on and off the field, and I wish him, our coaching team and the entire squad every success for the season ahead.
I would also like to extend my very best wishes to Ger Slattery, our Head Coach, and the wider coaching, medical, strength and conditioning and background teams. The work that takes place away from match day is enormous, and it is hugely appreciated.
My best wishes extend, of course, to all of our club teams across the Club. From our Minis and Youth sections through to our adult teams, there are players, coaches, managers, parents and volunteers giving their time every week to ensure that rugby continues to thrive in Young Munster.
I would also like to acknowledge all those who represent Young Munster outside the confines of Tom Clifford Park — our players, coaches, managers and match officials. You are ambassadors for our Club, and we are proud of you.
Young Munster has given me an enormous amount over the years.
From a rugby and life perspective, I have learned so much from coaches, mentors, teammates and friends across many seasons. More importantly, I have enjoyed every minute of representing this fine community club.
I hope that all our current and future members, players, coaches, managers and volunteers experience the same enjoyment, friendships, learning and opportunities that I have been fortunate enough to experience.
Because ultimately, that is what a club should be about.
Yes, we want our teams to succeed. We want to compete at the highest level.
But we also want to develop people, create friendships, give young players opportunities, provide a place where people feel welcome and ensure that the next generation can look back on their time in Young Munster with the same pride and affection that so many of us have.
I would also like to express our sincere gratitude to all of our sponsors and commercial partners who support the Club in so many different ways — from pitch signage and player sponsorship to our AIL lunches and the many other initiatives that help keep the Club moving forward.
We simply could not do what we do without your support.
In particular, I would like to acknowledge PBC Construction, Thrive by SVG and The Hungry Lyons for their valued support of Young Munster RFC.
I want to acknowledge the numerous volunteers whose work, dedication, service and time allow this great community club to operate.
Our Club Officers, Executive Committee, Underage Committee, bar staff, groundsmen, car park and gate teams, shop team, office team and the many people who work behind the scenes — often without recognition — all play an essential role in the running of Young Munster.
To every one of you, thank you.
The reality is that a club of our size and standing cannot operate without volunteers. There is always more to be done, and I would encourage any member who has the time, skills or simply a willingness to help to get involved.
You don’t need to commit to every weekend or take on a huge role. Every hour given, every job completed and every helping hand makes a difference.
It is our Club, and we all have a part to play in its future
I look forward to meeting as many of you as possible in the Clubhouse throughout the season — for a chat, a coffee, a pint, a debate about the rugby, or simply a catch-up with friends.
We are all part of something bigger than ourselves.
The history of Young Munster has been built by the people who came before us. The future of Young Munster will be shaped by what we do today.
So let us continue to work together, support one another, welcome new members, value our volunteers and take pride in the Club we represent.
Our true potential will be found not just in what we achieve, but in the work we put in together today to build the Club we want to be tomorrow.
I am incredibly proud to serve as your President, and I look forward to sharing the journey with you all.
Onwards and upwards.
Yours in Rugby,
Pat McGrath
President
Young Munster RFC
