On behalf of Ballynahinch Rugby Football Club can I wish you a warm welcome to this 2026-2027 season. Whether you are a visitor, a supporter, a player or a sponsor you are very welcome.

It is a huge privilege to be leading the club this year alongside the presidential team. I am very proud and fortunate to have been involved in some incredible moments in the recent history of Hinch over the past 25 years, whether this be as a player, a youth coach or the senior team manager and as President I am determined to give some back and help provide others with some of the same opportunities and experiences. My advice to all is to put in more than you expect to get out, it’s often the journey that provides the most rewards and the returns will surely outweigh the effort.

There are three key groups of people who provide so much to support and facilitate the growth and continuity of this fantastic rugby club; players and coaches, volunteers and sponsors.

To our players and coaches I wish you a very successful season, you have a great foundation to work from, whether you are a minis player, youth girls or senior squad it is important that you enjoy the game first off, stick to the process and the results will follow. Please have a successful and injury free season.

To our volunteers, you are, and continue to be, the backbone of the club. Not only your willingness to help but your expertise and experience in key areas is vital to the continued success and growth of Hinch rugby. I thank you today and each day of my tenure for your continued support and commitment.

And finally, but by no means least, our sponsors, the financial burden of running this club and the continued strive for success is a huge challenge, I am pleased to have sponsors on board with us that share our vision for growth and success. Without you we would not be where we are today and your support is greatly appreciated.

As I close, I would like to thank you once again for your support and for being part of our club community today. We are proud of a culture built on respect, hospitality, camaraderie and community. I encourage everyone to uphold those values by respecting teammates, opponents and match officials, celebrating success with humility, accepting disappointment with grace, and extending the hand of friendship for which Ballynahinch RFC is known.