On behalf of Cork Constitution I am delighted to welcome you to Temple Hill. To our visiting players, officials and supporters, a particularly warm welcome. We look forward to a competitive encounter played in a spirit of sportsmanship and friendship that is the hall-mark of our game.

When this club was formed in 1892 the founding fathers could not have envisaged in their wildest dreams that rugby football would develop and expand as it has. As we stand here today the profile of Irish rugby has never been higher. The professional era has been embraced and Irish rugby has earned some rich prizes. The success of the Provinces and the National team has brought massive interest and expanded rugby’s fan base accordingly. However, whilst celebrating all this success it is important to continue to cherish and nurture the Club game. The outstanding work at youth development by all clubs coupled with the ladder of natural progression through the AIB League and Cup competitions are vital to the future health of our game.

The new AIB League format introduced this season will make the League more competitive and attractive. Home and away games between the Division 1 clubs will ensure that supporters will be afforded the opportunity to watch all the teams at their own grounds and hopefully will be reflected in increased attendances all round.

We enter the season having topped the AIB League series for the last three years, but with only one title won, and also as Munster Senior Cup holders for the first time in 20 years. Success is important but to be competitive is vital and I wish our coaches, Brian Walsh and Brian Hickey, team captain, Evan Ryan and all the players every success for the season. I also welcome our new Director of Rugby, Jerry Holland, who returns to the club after many years as part of the Munster set-up and I am sure his knowledge and experience will prove invaluable this season.

To our sponsors and all those who support us through sponsorship, advertising and all other means, we are deeply grateful. And to the many wonderful members who work hard to make this club what it is; to all our players and coaches, and especially our Assistant Rugby Directors, Peter Good and Kevin Flanagan, every good wish for the season ahead.

In these difficult times sport remains one of life’s great pleasures. It can divert the mind and lift the spirits like nothing else. This is a great club which means a lot to its members and supporters. It’s a sporting club, but also a place of friendship and fun. It’s a club for young and old. To our members - it’s your club. Let us support our team and the AIB League and together we will be stronger.

Pat O'Keeffe
President