Swords Rugby Club On the Move?

By Robin Kiely

Fingal's fastest growing rugby club could be on the move, should a suitable venue be found. Swords Rugby Club are currently based at the ALSAA sports complex, but are on the lookout for a new ground.

Club President, Richard Cowman, explained that establishing a base in Swords was key to the club's growth, particularly the youth section. ‘Finding a suitable home is paramount to the development of the club,' Mr Cowman said. ‘While we use some of the finest facilities in the county at ALSAA, the location is proving a hindrance, as we are not able to attract enough young players from the town of Swords itself.

‘We have invested heavily in youth development and are actively seeking a base within Swords to continue the growth of the club at grass roots level.' The club have been competing under the Swords banner since 2005, fielding youth sides for the first time that season. This season saw the first real signs of progress, as promising U-18 prop, David Reilly, was selected for the North East side and is on the brink of a place in the Leinster U-18 squad.

Mr Cowman said the club were hoping to attract a new generation of players in the coming months, with the launch of the ‘minis' section.‘Rugby has never been as popular in this country and with the World Cup on the horizon, it's set to explode,' he continued.

‘We have big ambitions to develop along the lines of Navan and Boyne, who are all representing their towns in Division One and play a large role in the community.‘Swords has a population of 43,000. There's no reason why we can't follow the lead of established rugby towns and put Swords on the map.' Mr Cowman said the club had been working closely with Mayor of Fingal, Cllr Joe Corr and thanked him for his input so far.‘Cllr Corr has set the ball in motion, showing a real eagerness to help us develop ourselves as a club and we are very grateful for his support.'