Energia All-Ireland League: excitement building in Ballyclare ahead of first home tie
There is a buzz around Ballyclare ahead of history being made in the south Antrim town this weekend.
Saturday (September 28) will see Ballyclare Rugby Football Club’s 1st XV players compete in their first ever All Ireland League home fixture as they welcome Enniscorthy to The Cloughan.
The visitors, who make the trip from Co Wexford, come into the clash, having suffered defeat in the opening weekend of fixtures, losing 29-20 at home to Belfast Harlequins.
Mike Orchin-McKeever’s men got their Division 2C campaign off to a winning start, triumphing 27-14 away to Tullamore on September 21 and now fans are being encouraged to come out in numbers as the club hosts an All Ireland clash on the Doagh Road.
Calling on fans to come out in force and get ‘The Cloughan Rockin,’ a spokesperson for the club stated: “Join us for Colours Day at The Cloughan this Saturday as we play our first AIL home game.
"All supporters are asked to wear their old retro club shirts (if you can still fit into them) or club colours.”
The historic game will start at 2.30pm, with supporters advised that entry to the game will be £10 for visitors and non members. Children can attend the game for free.
Meanwhile, Ballyclare’s 2nd XV host CIYMS RFC for a Junior Shield game and Ballyclare’s 4th XV make the short journey to Carrickfergus Rugby Football Club to start their season.
Next week (October 5), Ballyclare make the long journey to Co Cork to face Midleton in the AIL.