The 2021/22 season is now over for our J1 and J2 teams after heartbreak in the cup for both sides. On a more positive note, both teams have confirmed their places in their respective leagues and will be back playing at a high level come the end of the summer.

The J1s, who each week often have a somewhat different side out, are to be commended for playing so well despite this. Lads from the 1st XV, J1s, J2s, J3s and U20s often lent a hand to the J1s and the club is stronger and more interconnected as a result. Well done men and best of luck in Metro 1 next season.

The J2s, who had a massive influx of new players this year, and who were then beset by a number of long-term injuries to key players early on, can be proud of how they battled seasoned teams in Metro 3; finishing mid-table this year. A mix of veterans and youthfullness will serve this team well next season as the grit and labour they put in this year will come to fruition in the next.

For our J3 and J4 sides, a chance at silverware is still very much in play. Our J3s face UCD at home this Friday, April 1st at 8pm - it may be April Fool's Day but there'll be no joking on the pitch. This is the Semi Final of the Moran Cup and our boys want that trophy.

Our J4s face Bective Rangers on Saturday April 2nd at 3pm, away in Energia Park, in the 2nd Round of the O'Connor Cup. Our J4s have had a phenomenal season and will want to cap it off by bringing the O'Connor Cup home to Templeville Road this year

A HUGE THANK YOU must also go to our Junior Rugby management teams - without these men giving up countless hours a week we wouldn't have Junior Rugby in the club. From chasing players for subs and attendance, running training sessions, attending selection meetings, organising games, ensuring gear is ready for games, filling water bottles, and liaising with Leinster Branch and other teams (to name but a few duties) these lads give their all so their teams can play week in and out. We can't thank them enough.

And of course a big THANK YOU to Rugby Council and our Director of Junior Rugby Mossy Davin. Without Mossy there would be no Junior Rugby - he is a true blue Mary's man. He makes the management teams' lives infinitely easier and is always available for a call or to help solve any number of problems. Thanks Mossy.

Junior Rugby Management Teams:

J1 XV:

Paul Brennan, Paul Conlon, Conor O'Neill.

J2 XV:

David Lyons, Graeme McInerney, Ciarán Lennon, Harry Ebbs, Aaron Hudson.

J3/4 XV:

Mick Flats, Dan McManus, Ryan Barnes, Colm Kavanagh, Seamie Thompson.