RUFC Club Newsletter - November 2025
- Newsletter
- 1 day ago
- 7 min read
Updated: 13 hours ago
With a fantastic start across our senior and youth teams, there’s plenty to celebrate both on and off the pitch.
Senior Football Update
After a really strong start to the senior section's season, we thought it would be helpful to bring everyone up to speed on where things are at. Spoiler alert, things are going well!
Sunday 1B
Our Sunday 1B squad are in super form, currently unbeaten in their last six league games and sitting 3rd in the table. Confidence is sky-high and the lads are pushing hard at the right end of the league.They face Dublin University this Sunday on the astro at 11am in a cup showdown. Let’s get a big crowd out to cheer them on and keep the run going!
Saturday 1B Side
The Saturday 1B team have enjoyed a solid start and sit 4th in their league as they build real momentum early in the season.They travel to St Paul’s Artane this Saturday for a big away test at 3pm. A tough trip, but one the lads are ready for. Any travelling support would be much appreciated and will make a huge difference!
Saturday Division 3A
Tommy, Peter and Kenny’s young Saturday 3A side are absolutely flying, currently sitting top of the table and playing some brilliant football.They’re away to Beggsboro FC this Thursday in what promises to be a cracking match.
Sunday Division 3 Gary and Anto’s Sunday Division 3 team have started brightly with two wins from three and are showing real promise as they settle into the season.They’re also juggling cup games alongside the league, and flying it.
U10s test out the new video analysis suite
Raheny United’s Under 10.1 football team sincerely thank Hibernia College for sponsoring our new team kits. To hold ourselves to the highest of standards of education as promoted by Hibernia College, and to continue the lifelong learning theme that drives the College, the boys made the short trip from the Astro to the Clubhouse to take part in their first "video analysis" session in the club house.
Sources close to the team management reported that the session involved more treats than tactics. The future stars on the pitch were seen demanding a higher standard of post-match catering after being presented with what one player, unnamed self-styled ‘team captain’, called "economically-sourced pepperoni." "The video analysis showed we need more carbs for our sprinting," he explained, munching down a pizza crust.
To continue the learning and development theme, our first few 7-a-side league games were termed a ‘learning experience’ by the coaching team, but the boys have plenty to be proud of in terms of application and effort, and they will adapt to the larger pitches and quicker paced games against very good teams.
The boys finished their reflections by taking part in a multi-player pool tournament in the clubhouse, where fierce competition dominated the felt. Spectators noted that the team’s precision with a cue stick was in stark contrast to the team's questionable shooting off their weaker foot, as highlighted by their long-suffering coaches in the analysis room.
Emerging Raheny Star
The DDSL recently invited players from the U13 Sunday Division 1 and top Saturday divisions to trial for the Emerging Talent Programme at the FAI Abbotstown Campus. Over 120 players took part. We are delighted to share that Noah Wisely has been selected for the U13 Emerging Talent Squad, with training beginning in November. This is a fantastic achievement and a testament to Noah’s hard work and dedication. A huge congratulations to Noah, a proud moment for him, his family, his team, and the club. Go on, Noah!
🌧️🇪🇸 Espanyol Coaches Bring the Rain to Raheny! 🇪🇸🌧️
Despite the relentless rain, the Raheny United U13s enjoyed a fantastic coaching session last Thursday, delivered by two coaches from RCD Espanyol through DBS Sports Tours.
The session was a great success, with players showing excellent attitude and energy throughout, even in the tough conditions.
This special visit comes as part of preparations for the U13s’ upcoming trip to Cambrils, Spain, next April. A group of 120 players and parents will travel as part of the tour, which includes a stop-off en route for another session with the RCD Espanyol Academy coaches at their home base in Barcelona.
The trip will follow a similar format to the one enjoyed by our current U16 squad when they were U13s, featuring:
• Three nights’ accommodation at the Cambrils Park Resort
• Two matches per team against Spanish opposition at the Futbol Salou Sports Complex
Last weekend, parents from the group kicked off their fundraising campaign with a successful bag-packing weekend at Dunnes Stores. A huge thank you to Dunnes for hosting us and to all the parents who gave up their time to support the event.
With the preparations well underway and excitement building, all eyes are now on April — and another unforgettable Raheny United adventure in Spain!
Fair game-time
At Raheny United, one of our three key development principles is that we prioritise individual development over team success.
With this in mind, the club committee have a fair game-time policy:
Up to and including U11: Equal playing time.
U12 to U14: 25%-50% (this means a minimum of 25% in one particular game with a minimum of 50%, on average, over the season).
U15 to U17: 25%-40% (this means a minimum of 25% in one particular game with a minimum of 40%, on average, over the season).
From U18 onwards: There are no guidelines around fair game time in adult football.
Coaches may decide to use playing time as a way to promote team values, recognise effort and commitment, and regular attendance at training.
For reference, our club policies are available in-full on our website here.
MANOR HOUSE 14-15 GIRLS
Congratulations to the Manor House girls team, who secured a great win against Donabate C.C. in the Girls Minor Cup on Wednesday, the 22nd.
We are proud that 11 Raheny United players from our U14 and U15 squads were part of the winning team. Two RUFC players made the scoresheet, Grace Ní Liatháin and Holly Nolan, with Sophie Smith providing assists. The girls controlled the game throughout in their first-round away fixture and now look forward to the last 32.
Well done to all involved, a fantastic achievement and great representation for our club!
Rookies Roundup
The monthly update from our amazing Rookies academy!
Since the start of the season, our Rookies have been flying it! ⚽💪
They’ve been learning fast, sharpening their skills, and showing amazing team spirit every week. Backing them up is a brilliant crew of Transition Year students from local and nearby schools - all Raheny United players themselves! 🙌 As part of their TY community projects and Gaisce Awards, they’ve stepped into coaching roles and are absolutely smashing it.
Week by week, they’re growing in confidence, leadership, and coaching skills, all while keeping every session full of fun and energy. The Academy is buzzing with teamwork, laughter, and football spirit!
Every bit of help makes a real difference and is always much appreciated. No prior experience is needed. To get involved email officeadmin@rahenyunited.ie
"Behind the Boots"
We get to know some of the people that make our club great.... 💪⭐️
Introducing ........ ⭐Darragh Beaddie Guerin⭐️
Darragh, pictured here with his dad John (kitted out for the Over 35s), clearly has Raheny United in his blood!
What team do you play for and what position do you play?
U12.1 and I play left back.
Who's your football idol or who do you look up to?
Roberto Carlos (my coach Govey says I should try to play like him)
What's your favourite memory at the club so far?
Winning the DDSL Cup in May 2025.
You're being sent to a desert island 🏝️ What three items would you bring and why?
Packed lunch - I think that's obvious why!
A football - for something to do.
A flare - so people could find me.
This or That Darragh? 🤔
Left foot or right - left foot
Winning or playing well- If we play well, we should win
Practice dribbling or practice passing- practice passing
Xbox or Playstation- Playstation
Summer or Winter- Summer
Halloween or Christmas- Christmas
Spice bag or 4 in 1- 4 in 1
Cats or dogs- dogs
Sweey or savoury- sweet
Beach or pool- pool
Stepping into the spotlight this month for our coaches is......
⭐Tyrone Smith⭐️
What's your role and how long have you been with the club?
I'm a Coach for Under 11.11 Boys since June 2024, member since 2021.
What's your favourite memory at the club so far?
My team's first win after I began as a coach (it took 3 months). Also, my daughter winning the league last season with the Under 14's.
Any words of wisdom for the younger players?
Remember, it's only a game. Always enjoy yourself.
You're being sent to a desert island🏝️ What three items would you bring and why?
My hairbrush (ha ha)
A football (to keep fit)
A good book (to pass the time)
This or That Tyrone? 🤔
Early kick off or late- early
VAR... fair or flawed- fair
Extra time or penos- penos
Winning or playing well- playing well
Adventure or relaxation- adventure
Barry's or Lyons- Lyons
Spice bag or 4 in 1- spice bag
Cats or dogs- dogs
Sweet or savoury - savoury
Beach or pool - pool
Thanks Darragh & Tyrone, it's been great getting to know you!
Interested in taking part or nominating someone for "Behind the Boots"? We'd love to hear from you... Email us on info@rahenyunited.ie
🕸️SPOOKTACULAR FUN AT RAHENY UNITED🎃
Halloween night at the club was a huge hit with families joining us for an evening of music, fun and fantastic costumes. DJ Paul Murray kept everyone entertained and full house winner Abby Farrelly took home the prize! Thanks to everyone who came along, we can't wait for next year!
THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS
A massive THANK YOU to these incredible sponsors for kitting out some of our teams this season - Your support truly makes all the difference!
📣 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. 🖤 🤍 ⚽ ⚠️
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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