Big anniversary celebrations at navan rfc

Navan Rugby Club held celebrations to mark 50 years at Balreask Old with a series of events at the venue today. 

A large contingent of players from the past gathered at the ground where Navan teams have played since 1964. 

As part of the day's events there was a pre-match reception. Following Navan's defeat to Highfield in the AIL Div 2 B there followed an auction of specially commissioned jerseys in the club's colours. 

The jerseys included the names of all the players who have turned out for the club's first team in the last 50 years as well as a list of the honours won.  

Later in the evening there was also a club 'Dream Team' named. The team was selected from 45 players who were nominated. 

Highfield also made a contribution to the day's celebrations by presenting a vase to mark Navan's Balreask Old anniversary. 

Founded in 1924 Navan spent their first 40 years at various venues in and around Navan. 

In the early 1960s the club took the bold step of buying a plot of land at Balreask Old for 660 pounds. A pitch was prepared and the club held their first game at their new home in 1964. 

A clubhouse was constructed with a major refurbishment of the premises carried out in 2000. Today the Navan RFC clubhouse is one of the best in Irish club rugby.