Dear fellow Suttonians and guests,

I would like to welcome everyone to the 2022/23 season. It is a great personal honour to serve as President for the upcoming season and I will do my absolute best to represent the club in the same positive manner as so many of my illustrious predecessors have done. Little did I think when I wandered into Suttonians for the very first time in November 1987 that I would hold this prestigious position. Having been brought up in a rural, non- rugby playing area close to the border, my knowledge and understanding of the game was, to say the least limited. I must admit that when I first joined Suttonians, I felt that this lack of understanding of the finer aspects of the game would make me feel rather intimidated and I would find it difficult to “fit in”. But, as I quickly discovered, I was not alone, so I fitted in straight away. 😁

There are so many fellow members who deserve enormous credit for the work they have done and continue to do. I must firstly mention my predecessor, Gordon Linehan, who held this position for the last two very difficult seasons and has left me with an impossible act to follow. To Jim Quill, Allen Kiernan, Willie Moran and John McCourt for their amazing contribution over many years. Other great volunteers like Martin Griffin, Simon Lewis, Mark Colgan, Giovanni Cipriani, Ciarán Smyth and Simon English contribute greatly to the successful running of our club; along with the irreplaceable Emer Litchfield.

Unfortunately, my first official engagement as President was to attend the funeral of a very good friend and great Suttonian, Tom Magner. Tom’s contribution to our club is immeasurable and he will never be forgotten.

We are looking forward to a more normal season after the pandemic we have all just lived through. Our two very experienced coaches Peter Synnott and Andy Kenny have been working hard preparing our Senior Men’s Team for the upcoming season. Likewise, Stephen Costello has set a very high standard for the season ahead with the success of our Senior Women’s team last season. They represented us magnificently in the All Ireland League; ultimately winning the Conference final in Donnybrook before a live National TV audience. MY Suttonians continues to thrive under the guidance of Giovanni Cipriani and several great former players, who all give up their own time to plan for the future.

I also want to take this opportunity to thank all our club sponsors, in particular our main club sponsor Windsor Motors & Nissan, for their continued invaluable support to our club.

I would encourage as many members and friends as possible to get involved, there can never be too many volunteers. We are currently updating our communication system through Clubzap so everyone can keep updated with club news and information. Thanks to Simon Feeney and Oscar Reilly; along with club PRO’s Gerry Ussher and Andy Johnston who are steering this project.

So, the very best of luck to everybody involved for the upcoming season, in particular the incoming Captains of the Women's 1stxv (TBC) and Men's teams. I think it says it all about our club; that our club Captain Rory Litchfield, began his Rugby career at the age of 5 in SRFC and now leads the team and club for the season.

Remember to stay safe; enjoy and support all our players in their efforts to be the best they can. I know from my playing days that it means so much to all on the pitch, especially at the away games.

Yours in rugby

Fág an Bealach

Gerry Cadden.

President 2022/23