President’s Message

On behalf of Dublin University Football Club (D.U.F.C.), it is my absolute pleasure to welcome you to the historic grounds of College Park. College Park is not just a pitch; it is a place steeped in tradition and pride, where generations of athletes have competed, pushing the limits of their skill and sportsmanship. Today, as we gather here, we continue to build on that legacy.

We eagerly anticipate a busy and fulfilling season that will offer us an opportunity to “Add to What has Gone Before.” This is not a challenge we take lightly, especially as we approach a significant milestone:  This year, D.U.F.C. is celebrating 170 years of continuous existence, making us the oldest rugby club in the world. With such a rich history, plenty has gone before, and we relish the chance to contribute to that legacy.

D.U.F.C. does not thrive on its own. We are deeply grateful to our lead sponsor, AIB, and to all our patrons, sponsors, advertisers, and members, whose invaluable support enables everything we do. I would also like to acknowledge the tireless work of our Trustees and Executive Management Committee. A special thank you goes to our new Chairperson, John Coulter, and our new Club Administrator, Caroline McFadden. Additionally, we extend our heartfelt thanks to our retiring team, Kay Bowen and John Boyd, for their many years of outstanding service to the club.

We are proud of our current players who have achieved representative status this year: Ryan Baird, Joe McCarthy, and Jack Kelly (Olympic Sevens) for Ireland, Harry Sheridan for Ulster, and Paddy McCarthy for Leinster. D.U.F.C.  has a proud tradition of providing key talent to the administration of our game. We are delighted that our immediate Past President, Moira Flahive, is D.U.F.C.’s nominee and will be President of Leinster Rugby in the ‘25/26 season. Moira has been a great friend, supporter, and wonderful ambassador for D.U.F.C., and we wish Moira every success in this role.

This year, we are delighted to mark the election of Honorary Life Members Sean Corish, Hugh Smyth, and John West—three outstanding individuals who have “added to what has gone before.”

Last season, we had some notable successes, including a fantastic win in the 72nd Colours Match in College Park. Off the pitch, we have made huge strides in creating an inspiring five-year strategic plan. This ambitious plan of “Achieving Greatness” has been ably led and driven by our Vice President Greg Duffy and addresses the key pillars of Community, Empowerment, and Development.

 We wish Director of Rugby, Tony Smeeth, and his talented and dedicated coaching and support teams every success for the season ahead.

We also recognise the vital role that our student’s parents play in our Club’s life. Your encouragement and support for the young women and men who play for D.U.F.C. are invaluable, and we hope you enjoy this journey as much as your daughters and sons do.

This year, we are excited to have our Annual D.U.F.C. Business Lunch at the Shelbourne Hotel on Friday, November 29th, 2024. We encourage as many of you as possible to attend this event, which promises to be a valuable and rewarding business and networking experience. We will also have our 1854 Dinner in the Dining Hall on Friday, 25th April, and the Barrington Lunches in the Pavilion @ TCD before all our AIL home matches.

Finally, I wish our Club Captain, Louis McDonough, our Women’s Captain, Kate O’Reilly, and all our team captains, coaches, and players the best of luck for the coming season. Enjoy all that playing rugby for D.U.F.C. brings to your lives. University rugby is a life-shaping experience, one in which you will make friends and memories that will last a lifetime. This is why we proudly say that D.U.F.C. is a “Club for Life.”

Yours in rugby,

Stephen F. Tracey

President, 2024/2025
D.U.F.C.- Trinity Rugby