RUFC Club Newsletter - April 2026
- comms8057
- 14 hours ago
- 9 min read
Updated: 13 minutes ago
From Barcelona to Cork, Almere to Prague, Raheny United are on the road this month, taking on top opposition from across Ireland and Europe. It’s been a busy month across the club, with strong performances, big results, and plenty going on!
Raheny reach all Ireland semi-final
Our U2.1 boys are all set for their SFAI Cup semi-final this Sunday against Ringmahon Rangers in Cork. It marks a first ever appearance at this stage of the competition for a Raheny United team, and there is huge pride across the club in what this group has achieved.
The squad travel to Cork on Saturday to prepare, with a strong focus on getting everything right ahead of kick-off. Their run to the semi-final has been impressive, coming through a tough path that included wins over five Dublin sides, as well as teams from Kilkenny, Cork and Waterford. All the hard work now leads to Sunday’s game, with just one more step to reach the final.
U16 cup victory in local derby
Raheny came out on top in a local derby clash vs Howth Celtic in the last 16 of the U16.1/2 Cup, booking their place in the quarter-finals after a strong performance. Noah Johnson Breen opened the scoring with a well-taken header from a corner, setting the tone early for Raheny. Dennis Zaharia then added two more goals to give Raheny a clear lead. Raheny controlled large parts of the game, working hard to win possession and keep things ticking over.
It was a proper cup tie with an added edge due to a number of players on both sides knowing each other from school in St. Fintan’s. Difficult weather conditions also added to the tense matchup; the heavens opened at half-time, with driving rain and hailstones making for a tough second half. Despite that, Raheny stayed focused and saw the game and came away with great result. We now look ahead to the quarter-finals. Thanks to Howth Celtic for a brilliant match.
13.1 Take to the Sun
On Easter Monday, our 13.1 team travelled to Barcelona for three days of football and sunshine. A group of 39 players and family members set off early for Cambrils, with two matches and two training sessions lined up for the trip.
The first game on Tuesday was against Maricourt Academy from Merseyside. Despite facing an older side, the lads played some excellent football in a 7–4 defeat, with goals from Bobby Handley, Louis Behan, Jacob Keenan and Maks Galant.
On Wednesday, they faced Outwood Academy from Sheffield. Once again up against a physically stronger team, the boys showed great determination and quality, narrowly losing 2–1. Zach Aylward was on the scoresheet.
Thursday morning saw the group head home after three very enjoyable days away.
A gallery of pics from the trip below:
A big thank you to our sponsors, The Manhattan Beer & Food Company, for their continued support, and to S&L California for their generous contribution in providing training t-shirts for the squad.
U10.1 at the Holland Cup
Over the Easter weekend, the RUFC U10.1 boys travelled to Almere in the Netherlands to take part in the Holland Cup, facing strong opposition from the outset in a very competitive Group B. Drawn against two local Almere sides and a team from Scotland, Raheny recorded one win and two narrow defeats, which was enough to see them progress to the Division 2 competition on day two. The strength of the group was clear, with those same teams going on to finish 2nd, 3rd, 9th and 10th overall.
On Easter Sunday, having skipped the Easter eggs, Raheny produced their best football of the weekend. They opened with a strong win and followed it up with an excellent 9-0 performance that caught the eye of both local and visiting supporters. The team played calm, passing football throughout, backed up by solid tackling and constant support for each other.
The final saw Raheny face a team they had beaten earlier in the tournament, but this time the result went the other way. The boys finished with a 50% win rate overall, a fair reflection of a competitive weekend.
Off the pitch, it was a memorable trip for players and families alike. Thanks to all the parents who helped make it happen, from organising logistics to capturing photos and videos, preparing food, and keeping the players going throughout.
We would like to thank our sponsors Gray & Murray Chartered Accountants. A special mention as well to Sarah Haugh, with hopes she’ll be part of next year’s trip.
11.5 at the Holland Cup
The RUFC U11s also made the trip to Almere over the Easter weekend to compete in the Holland Cup, facing a strong mix of international opposition.
Drawn in Group E, Raheny came up against the hosts, FC Almere, Pentland Athletic from Scotland, and SV Slikkerveer from the Netherlands. It proved a tough opening day, with results not going Raheny's way, placing the team into the Division 3 competition for day two.
There was a clear response on the second day. Raheny were drawn against FC Drusenheim from France, Etoile de Fames from Belgium, and Snekkersten IF from Denmark, and produced a much stronger set of performances. The boys picked up 7 points from their three games, finishing top of the group and securing the Division 3 title on goal difference.
It was a great turnaround and a well-deserved reward for the team, who had to pick themselves up after a tough day 1.
Off the pitch, the trip was just as memorable. Teaming up with the U10s, there were three nights of great fun at the holiday park, with plenty of action in the playground and swimming pool. It was a brilliant experience for the group, both on and off the field, and one they'll remember forever.
Thank you to our sponsors Vision Creative Studios for making the trip a possibility. Their support was hugely appreciated.
And a very special shout out to Lisa Mooney, Sarah Haugh, John Blake, and all the other parents who pitched in to make the weekend a massive success. It takes a village! Below are some video highlights recorded and edited by John Blake.
9.1 at Easter Monday Tournament
The RUFC 9.1 Sunday team recently took part in the Leicester Celtic Easter Monday Tournament, putting in a strong showing across the day.
The boys won two of their three group games to progress to the knockout stages, where they recorded another impressive win in the quarter-final against a side from Kilkenny. That result saw them into the semi-final, where they came up against a very strong Crumlin United team.
Despite a good performance, Raheny were beaten by the eventual tournament winners, bringing their run to an end at the semi-final stage. The lads can be very proud of how they performed on the day! There were some brilliant individual goals across the day, and a strong team effort. Overall, a very positive day.
13.1 into semi finals
A hard-fought game took place on Pitch 4 in the U13.1/13.2 Gerry Donnelly Cup quarter-final as Raheny welcomed St Mochta’s. Despite having the better of the play, Raheny couldn’t find a breakthrough and the game remained scoreless at half-time.
The deadlock was finally broken ten minutes into the second half when Bobby Handley struck a low effort from distance into the bottom corner to make it 1–0. St Mochta’s responded well and pushed for an equaliser, which came with a finish at the back post to level the game at 1–1.
Both sides had chances, but nothing separated them at full time, sending the match into extra time. With penalties looking likely, Raheny found another gear and struck twice from corners. First, Scott Byrne rose highest to head home, before Ryan Leech added a third with a powerful header a few minutes later.
The final whistle followed soon after, with Raheny running out 3–1 winners. Next up is a semi-final clash with Portmarnock. Credit to St Mochta’s for a strong performance in a game that was really competitive.
Raheny United in Prague
Despite the disappointment following the World Cup qualifier in Prague, Raheny United was well represented in the Czech capital. Among the travelling Irish support were U19 players James O’Sullivan and Aidan Ponsonby, along with Rory Hynes from the senior 2nds. Roll on Euro 2028. COYBIG.
Raheny United U10.4 highlights
Raheny United U10.4, April highlights
This April, the Raheny United U10.4 team took part in the Tempo Easter Cup. And what an experience it was! From start to finish, it was a great few days for the lads. The energy, enthusiasm, and smiles said it all. The boys had an incredible time. It wasn’t just the players who enjoyed it either; coaches, parents, and supporters all shared in the buzz, making it a brilliant community experience for all.
A huge thank you to Solar Smart
A special thank you goes to Solar Smart for their generous sponsorship of the team tracksuits. The lads proudly wore their new gear throughout the tournament, and it really added to the sense of team spirit and pride. Your support is hugely appreciated by everyone at Raheny United!
☀️ Exclusive Offer for Raheny United Members
Solar Smart have also extended an exclusive offer to the Raheny United community:
👉 €500 – €2,000 discount on a solar system installation
This offer is available to:
• Players
• Parents
• Coaches
• Anyone associated with Raheny United
How to redeem:
Simply mention John Blake – Raheny United when enquiring.
👏 A brilliant month for the U10.4 squad—well done to all involved!
Senior mens update
Senior Men’s Update: The Charge for the Title Continues!
It has been a season to remember so far for our Senior Intermediate LSL Men’s team. As we enter the business end of the campaign, the momentum behind the squad is undeniable.
The lads have been putting in shifts that would make any Raheny local proud. We are thrilled to report that the team is unbeaten in 18 league games—a testament to the hard work being instilled week in, week out.
This strong run has seen us climb to the top of the LSL 1B division. With only 5 games to go, the finish line is in sight, but there’s no room for complacency. The improvement in the squad from the first whistle of the season to now has been massive, and they’re only getting sharper.
A Welcome to Ronan Finn
In addition to our form on the pitch, we are delighted to officially welcome league of Ireland winner Ronan Finn to the Raheny United senior setup. Ronan joins us while balancing his prestigious role as Director of Football at Shamrock Rovers.
The Final Push
With five cup finals left to play, the support of the Raheny community means everything. Our next game is against Enniskerry, next Friday 17th April, at 8pm in St.Anne’s Park. All support welcome!
Raheny Rookies
Plenty of activity at the academy recently, with great energy across all age groups. The oldest age group have now begun their midweek training sessions, adding another important layer to their development. It’s fantastic to see their continued progress and enthusiasm.
Some of our teams have also started to participate in the U7 leagues, marking an exciting milestone as they experience matches in a more structured environment. These early games provide a great opportunity for players to build confidence, develop their skills, and most importantly, enjoy their football.
Across the academy, training sessions have been very well attended, with players showing excellent effort and a real willingness to learn.
We’re looking forward to seeing this positive momentum continue over the coming weeks as the weather continues to improve.
We are seeking volunteers to support the academy. If you can assist in any way, even occasionally, we would love to hear from you. For more information or to get involved, please contact officeadmin@rahenyunited.ie
Behind the Boots
We get to know some of the players who make our club great! 💪
Introducing Dad and Daughter Duo.....
Gav and Holly Adams
Gav and Holly pictured above at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in January 2026 for Spurs V Sunderland
⭐️ Holly Adams⭐️
What team do you play for and what position do you play?
U14 girls - I play right back
What's your favourite memory at the club so far?
My first game for the team and the Christmas Party!
You're being sent to a desert island 🏝️ What three items would you bring and why?
A plane (I'd stay for a month!), fuel and Sonny our dog.
This or That Holly? 🤔
Left foot or right - right
Winning or playing well- winning
Practice dribbling or practice passing- passing
Xbox or Playstation- Xbox
Summer or Winter- Summer
Halloween or Christmas- Christmas
Spice bag or 4 in 1- spice bag
Cats or dogs- dogs
Sweet or savoury- savoury
Pool or beach - pool
⭐️ Gav Adams⭐️
What’s your role at Raheny United?
U14 girls Manager with Killian Hardy
What's your favourite memory at the club so far?
Seeing happy smiles on the girls faces when we win.
You're being sent to a desert island 🏝️ What three items would you bring?
Suncream, shades & firestick.
Any words of wisdom for the younger players?
Keep working hard and pushing yourself.
This or That Gav? 🤔
Early kick off or late- early
VAR- fair or flawed- Var is fair when it gets calls right
Winning or playing well- winning
Adventure or relaxation- adventure
Barry's or Lyons- Barry's
Spice bag or 4 in 1- fish and chips
Cats or dogs- dogs
Sweet or savoury- savoury
Pool or beach - pool
THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS
A massive THANK YOU to Top Oil Raheny - Sean Carroll Garages, for their ongoing support of the club - Your support truly makes all the difference!
We also wish to thank our sponsors Member First Credit Union and Nostra for their generous sponsorship of the U17s Boys Premier Team.
Our club is growing bigger and bigger - we need volunteers more than ever! If you want to support or volunteer with Raheny United in any capacity, get in touch. Your town, Your town,your club. Get involved!
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