As Rainey Old Boys look forward  to a return to action on Saturday week, they have made an interesting, indeed remarkable addition to their coaching team.  Dubliner Ian McKinley showed tremendous fortitude to make a comeback from a serious injury and become an Italian international.  Though only 30 years old, he is now looking to make an impact as a coach, having developed a great interest in this aspect of the game during his time in Italy.

Members of Rainey OB RFC were greatly saddened to learn of the passing of former Club President Billy Hatrick.

Billy was a great benefactor to the Club and from 1953 he generously permitted the previously nomadic Rainey OB Club to use his ‘ fields’ throughout the season. No formal lease was signed, but a gentleman’s agreement was reached, whereby the Hatrick sheep would be removed from the fields from July 12th to permit pitch preparation and pre-season training to begin.

All at Rainey Old Boys RFC were deeply saddened to hear of the recent passing of club stalwart, Johnny McFalone.
 

Johnny was a long time supporter of Rainey Old Boys for over 6 decades,was the social secretary at the club for more than 10 years, and followed in the footsteps of his late wife, Janet, who was the chair of the Ladies Committee within the club for many years.
 

Johnny travelled to all corners of Ireland supporting Rainey; from defeats in the rain in the early 90s in Strabane, Donaghadee and Ballymoney, to victories in the sun in Cork, Galway, Limerick and Dublin in recent years. He has been an ever present supporter during the club's good days and bad; Hatrick Park will be a lesser place in his absence.

His family; daughter Katy, son-in-law Chris, grandchildren Cein, Flynn and Anna. were the core of Johnny’s life, whilst Rainey Old Boys and Man Utd were also integral parts. Thankfully, in recent years, Rainey were able to give him something to celebrate when Man Utd couldn’t!

Our thoughts are with Katy, Chris, Cein, Flynn and Anna as well as the wider family circle at this very sad time.

Something to potentially look forward to when we return to normality: new plans for a refurbishment and renovation of the current clubhouse.