RUFC Club Newsletter - May 2025
- Newsletter
- 6 days ago
- 11 min read
Updated: 6 days ago
From league titles to cup finals, playoff battles to European dreams, Raheny players are creating great memories at every level this month. Whether you were on the sidelines in Lucan, at the AUL, or supporting from afar, it's a proud moment for everyone involved with RUFC. Here’s a look back at some of the standout moments from a month to remember.
Raheny girls are champions 🏆
Massive congratulations to our U14 Girls who lifted the league title after a thrilling playoff win over Malahide at the SDFL headquarters in Lucan last Sunday. The girls were on the back of 11 straight league wins and hadn’t tasted defeat since early November. Massive thanks to Andrew Byrne for organising a bus from the clubhouse, packed with players and families, and the support created a brilliant buzz down in Lucan.
Elza Zustere fired us ahead with a goal after just 10 minutes. It was a tight battle from there, and we held a 1–0 lead at the break. In the second half, Robyn Knox nicked the ball on halfway and raced through on goal. Cool as ever, she slotted it past the keeper and the sidelines erupted. That was the moment we knew the day was ours.
The celebrations kicked off back at the clubhouse with pizza and plenty of smiles. A brilliant season topped off with a special day out.
Huge credit to the players and to coaches Paddy Devine, Dave Byrne and Sinead O’Rourke. And a big thank you to The Lab for their continued support.
See video below. The pride of the northside, league champions, Raheny united!
Katie McCabe all set for CL final
Our u14s weren't the only Raheny girls hoping to lift silverware this month. This Saturday, ex RUFC star Katie McCabe takes the field for Arsenal in the UEFA Women’s Champions League final against the mighty Barcelona!
We couldn't be prouder that one of our own has made it to the very top of the game. Long before lining out for Arsenal, Katie was competing in the champions league for Raheny. She made her mark early, starring in our 2013 Champions League campaign, and again the following year helping Raheny United reach the last 32 in 2014 with solid performances that gave a glimpse of the star that was in the making. In 2014, she was named the Women’s National League Young Player of the Year while still playing with us.
And who could forget Katie's iconic 45-yard free kick for RUFC in the FAI Cup final at the Aviva (watch it here), a moment that confirmed what we already knew; Katie is a world-class talent! As The Irish Sun rightly pointed out this week, those around her at Raheny knew she was destined for the top.
Now the whole world is watching...
Go get 'em, Katie. Your Raheny family is behind you 💪🏼 ⚫️ ⚪️ ⚫️ ⚪️ ⚫️
Raheny United: Cup Winners 2025
U11.1 Fitzgerald Cup Final
———————————
Knocklyon United 1 – 2 Raheny United.
Match report: Raheny played some excellent football against an extremely well-drilled Knocklyon side. Our lads had the majority of possession in the first half but couldn’t convert it into goals, going into the break scoreless.
Just 15 seconds into the second half, Knocklyon broke the deadlock with an excellent finish. That goal forced Raheny to up the gears.
With 15 minutes left on the clock, Evan McShane played a precise ball to striker Evan Furlong, who picked it up in his own half, dribbled past his marker into the opposition half, and let fly from 20 yards, straight into the top corner. A cracker of a goal that sparked a pitch invasion from the Raheny ultras! You could feel the momentum shift.
With just five minutes to go, captain Tom Walsh, who was superb all game, finished off a lovely team move with a stunning strike from outside the box, using his so-called weaker foot to find the top corner.
Raheny saw out the final minutes calmly, and when the whistle blew, scenes of euphoria erupted among the players and their fantastic supporters.
Special mention to the Knocklyon players and coaches, who were gracious and sporting after the game. 👏🏼
The celebrations continued back at the clubhouse long into the bank holiday Sunday night.
Well done, boys! 🏆
Squad:
Luke McGovern
Max Murray
Darragh Beaddie Guerin
Evan McShane
Kyle Brady
Jamie Lee
Aidan O’Donnell
Evan Furlong
Adam Flood
Tom Walsh
Sean Murphy Sotcheck
u13 girls brilliant vs Park Vale
Huge congratulations to our U13s (9-a-side) team who put in a brilliant performance to claim a 3–1 victory over Park Vale! From the first whistle, the girls showed intent, Olivia McDonald set the tone with an early chance, while Ellen Dillon stood strong at centre back, and Hannah Blackmore ran the show from midfield. Kate Shanley was rock-solid between the posts with some key saves to keep us in control 🧤
But it was Rosie Agnew who stole the spotlight, firing home a sensational hat trick! to seal the win and cap off an all-round superb team performance. ⚽️⚽️⚽️
Well done, girls, we’re so proud of you all! 👏👏
Girls born 2010/11 wanted
U12.1 boys shine in cup Final
Sometimes football gives you glory, sometimes it gives you heartbreak.... but always, it gives you memories. Our U12.1s can hold their heads very high after a remarkable journey to the final of the Stephen Barrett memorial cup, where they were narrowly beaten out 3-2 by Mount Merrion.
This wasn’t just a cup run. It was a statement. The boys saw off some of the best in the league; Shamrock rovers, Killester Donnycarney, Belvedere and St Kevin’s, all on their road to the final. And on the big day at the AUL complex, with a huge crowd from Raheny roaring them on, they showed the same courage and togetherness that had carried them that far.
Noah Wisely gave us the dream start, finding the net just 38 seconds in. But cup finals are never simple, and by halftime Mount Merrion had edged in front. Even after falling 3-1 behind early in the second half, there was no quitting from our lads. Maks Gallant’s strike with ten minutes to go lit the spark again, and the boys pushed until the final whistle for an equaliser that just wouldn’t come.
The result didn’t go our way. But what a journey, and what a great group of lads. You did your club and your families proud, lads. This team is only getting started.
Here’s to the next chapter. Raheny abú ⚫⚪💪
Senior men’s football: Season in review
As the senior season wraps up, here’s a quick look at the highlights across the Men’s section, it’s been a positive year all round!
Youth Progress: Many of our young players stepped up to U19 football in both LSL and LFL leagues. Thanks to Paul, Shay, and Anto for helping guide their development, this experience will be huge as they move into senior football next season.
Saturday Div 3B: Tommy Wade’s team continues to challenge for the league title with three games left. They also enjoyed a strong cup run, narrowly missing out recently. Be sure to catch their remaining fixtures and show your support!
Sunday Div 3: Gary Quinn and Anto Sutton’s squad had a solid campaign in a competitive division, holding their own throughout the season.
Saturday Div 1B: Under Sean Kelly and Darragh Farrell, this side put in an excellent season, finishing a very respectable 4th place.
Sunday Div 1B: In their first year in Intermediate football, the team finished 5th overall, a great start to life at this level. Big thanks to James O’Neill, Mick Kelly, and Mark Ryan for their efforts.
With the season done, it’s time for a well-earned rest. But after a strong 24/25 campaign, there’s lots to build on and plenty to look forward to.
A huge thank you to all our team sponsors, coaches, and players for their hard work and commitment this season!
Rookies Roundup
The monthly update from our amazing Rookies academy!
🏁 Season end is approaching and Mini Leagues are coming soon! ⚽️
As we approach the end of another fantastic season at the academy, the excitement is building for our Mini Leagues Competition - a highlight for all our young players! The kids have worked hard, improved their skills and now they can't wait to showcase what they've learned in a fun and friendly tournament atmosphere.
📢📢📢 The academy is always on the lookout for more volunteers. Whether you're experienced or new to volunteering, we provide full support and guidance. All you need is enthusiasm and a willingness to get involved!
"Behind the Boots"
It's launch time 🚀
First up, introducing.....
⭐️ Ruby Hardy⭐️
We asked Ruby a few key questions and finished up with a quick-fire round of "This or That". Here's what Ruby had to say:
What team do you play for and what position do you play?
I play for the Under 13s, Major 1 and play centre back.
Do you have any pre-match rituals or superstitions?
I need to wear at least three scrunchies in my ponytail!
Who's your football idol or who do you look up to?
My football idol is Ella Tooney, Manchester United, and the person I look up to most is my Dad.
Tell us about your favourite memory at the club...
It's hard to pick just one but jumping into the water with my team after training on the beach! Other cool memories are the mini leagues last year and music bingo at the clubhouse.
Who is your funniest team-mate?
I couldn't pick just one, all the girls make me laugh constantly!
This or That? 🤔
Grass or astro- grass
Early kick off or late- early
Sliders with socks- ick or legit- legit
Win the league or win the cup- league
Own goal-laugh it off or claim a deflection- laugh
Tayto or King- Tayto
Chipper or chinese- chinese
Cats or dogs- dogs
Tik Tok or YouTube- YouTube
Messi or Ronaldo- Messi
Kicking off "Behind the Boots" for our coaches is....
⚽️ Killian Hardy ⚽️
What's your role and how long have you been with the club?
I'm a coach for the U13s girls Major 1 team and this is my second season with the club. As a kid in the late 80's, I played for Raheny Boys. Raheny Boys later amalgamated with Dunseedy United to form Raheny United.
Any pre-match rituals or superstitions?
I always get up early and go over the plan for the game. Then, I stop and buy a pack of chewing gum on the way to the match.
If you could have dinner with any famous person, who would it be and what question would you ask them?
It would be Bono and I'd ask him if the life of a rockstar is all it's cracked up to be!
Tell us about your favourite memory at the club so far....
Our first win of this season for sure. The girls had worked so hard and watching their reaction at the final whistle was amazing.
Any words of wisdom?
My key message to my team is that the most important thing is that you enjoy football and when you try your best, the score shouldn't define the game.
Lastly, we also hit Killian with a rapid round of 'This or That' 🤔
Grass or astro- astro
Early kick off or late- early
Sliders with socks- ick or legit- ick
Win the league or win the cup- league
Own goal-laugh it off or claim a deflection- laugh it off
Tayto or King- King
Chipper or chinese- chipper
Cats or dogs- dogs
Facebook or Spotify- Spotify
Messi or Ronaldo- Messi
Thanks to both Ruby and Killian for being our first ever "Behind the Boots" stars!
Interested in taking part or nominating someone? We'd love to hear from you...
Email us on info@rahenyunited.ie
Mini leagues 2025 is here
Duffer has already been spotted on the grassy knoll next to pitch 5, securing his spot nice and early to watch Raheny United's 2025's mini leagues.
We know it. And Duffer knows it. RUFC Mini leagues is the best two weeks of the summer! It all kicks off on Wednesday, June 18th, and wraps up with a bang on Sunday, June 29th!
But be quick, registration closes at the end of May and spots are filling up fast.
🎉 WHO PLAYS WHEN?
Girls:
2010/2011 – Group stage: Wed 18th @ 17:30 | Finals: Sun 22nd
2012/2013 – Group stage: Thu 19th @ 18:00 | Finals: Sun 22nd
2014/2015 – Group stage: Fri 20th @ 17:30 | Finals: Sun 22nd
2016/2017 – Group stage: Sat 21st | Finals: Sun 22nd
2018/2019/2020 – Group stage: Sat 21st @ 12:00 | Finals: Sun 22nd
Boys:
2019/2020 – Group stage: Sat 21st @ 12:00 | Finals: Sun 22nd
2018 – Group stage: Sat 21st | Finals: Sun 22nd
2017 – Group stage: Sat 28th | Finals: Sun 29th
2016 – Group stage: Sat 28th | Finals: Sun 29th
2010/2011 – Group stage: Mon 23rd @ 17:30 | Finals: Sun 29th
2015 – Group stage: Tue 24th @ 17:30 | Finals: Sun 29th
2014 – Group stage: Wed 25th @ 17:30 | Finals: Sun 29th
2013 – Group stage: Thu 26th @ 17:30 | Finals: Sun 29th
2012 – Group stage: Fri 27th @ 17:30 | Finals: Sun 29th
📣 A Message from Sky & the Irish Team: Get Involved!
We’ve been contacted by Motherland, the team behind all Sky and Irish National Team adverts, with an exciting opportunity for our players and their families to get involved in a brand new campaign!
They’re creating a powerful new film supporting Amber Barrett and Nathan Collins, and are looking for personal video messages from fans — that means you!
🎥 What to Include in Your Video:
Why you admire Amber or Nathan
What you think they’re great at
A favourite memory (on or off the pitch)
Why you believe in them
All you need to do is record a short message on your phone, portrait or landscape, whatever works for you. If your video is chosen, you’ll be invited to a special shoot in Dublin on 4th June 2025. As a club, we’ve already featured in Sky campaigns before, and this is another brilliant chance to represent.
📅 Deadline: Please send your video to football@motherland.ie by 27th May 2025.
🎬 Need some inspiration? Check out the last two campaigns RUFC kids were featured in:
Annual golf classic
Friday, August 22nd, St. Margaret's Golf & Country Club
Join us for a great day of golf in support of Raheny United!
€500 per team of 4
Includes dinner, prizes, and a presentation at the clubhouse.
To enter a team: Contact Dec or Chuck at the numbers below,
or email:📧 officeadmin@rahenyunited.ie
National Volunteering Week: 19th - 25th May 2025
National Volunteering Week takes place in Ireland from 19th - 25th May and the theme this year is "Building Community Together". This week, we celebrate all volunteers and recognise the impact volunteering has on our communities. Volunteering is the cornerstone of Raheny United - the club has a whopping 128 team managers with 50 plus volunteers outside of that! To all of our volunteers, a huge thank you! The club is what it is because of your efforts, dedication and skills. We'd also like to say huge thank you to all our unofficial volunteers: the kit-washers, car-poolers, fruit-cutters, net-hangers, to name but a few - we appreciate all you do!
We are always looking for new volunteers. If you'd like to volunteer in any capacity, please get in touch. We'd love to hear from you!
📣 Want to see your team featured?
We love sharing all the amazing updates from across the club. But we can only do that with your help! Every story in the newsletter or on socials comes directly from a coach submission. If you’d like your team to be included, or have anything to share at all, please ask your coach to get in touch:
✉️ For the newsletter: coach should email info@rahenyunited.ie
📸 For social media: coach should contact Laura directly.
We rely entirely on what’s sent in, so if something’s missing, it just means we didn’t hear about it. Thanks for helping us keep the whole club connected and celebrated. 🖤 🤍 ⚽
THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS
A huge thank you to our team sponsors.
A special thank you to Dennehy Motor Group who kindly sponsored matchday tops for our U17 major team.
We'd also like to extend a special thanks to Alumasc for sponsoring gear for the U13 girls for their upcoming trip to Amsterdam.
⚠️
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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