Club Captains Re-elected For New Campaign

August 21st, 2009

Club Captains Re-elected For New Campaign TWO familiar names will lead Swords Rugby Club into battle on the playing fields this season following the re-election of their first and second team captains.

After a unanimous player's vote, Mal Bradley has been re-appointed skipper of the 1sts, while Alan Dodsley will again lead the 2 nd XV out. It's the third time Bradley has been awarded the captaincy and the forward, who is equally adept in the back or front row, said he was ‘privileged' to have been given the role.

‘It is a great honour to represent Swords RFC and the players of this fine club,' Bradley said. ‘I'm looking forward to the new season and I'm expecting to improve significantly on last season.' Dodsley too was delighted with his re-election and anticipated a strong season for the club's second-string side.

‘I am most encouraged by the increased numbers in training, with both the addition of new players, plus a number of last year's under-18s progressing through the ranks,' the flanker said. ‘After a tough time last year, I'm looking ahead to the coming season with optimism.'

With a month of preseason training under their belts, Swords kick-off their campaign tonight (Friday), crossing the border into Meath for a friendly with nearby Ashbourne. There is a definite air of positivity around ALSAA so far, with a new coach in place, – Leinster star Chris Keane – a committee working flat out behind the scenes and an influx of new faces.

‘It has been refreshing to have a new voice in Chris Keane, whose enthusiasm and experience has made training enjoyable,' Bradley continued. ‘This in turn has resulted in new players joining the club and increasing numbers at training. 

‘We are now looking forward to our preseason fixtures and the league, starting on October 4 th, with a lot of promise and optimism, ‘We are also hoping to see plenty of support at ALSAA for Swords RFC.' Dodsley added: ‘The appointment of Chris as coach has provided a much-needed boost to the club as a whole and this should hopefully lift the seconds, along with the firsts .'