History Made At Rainey Old Boys
Rainey Valentines, the senior ladies team, will long now be remembered having earned their place at Rainey Old Boys RFC
The Valentines made history yesterday, Sunday 2nd October, for multiple reasons in this new chapter at the club.
- They are the first ever senior womens team at the club
- They played their first ever conference league game
- It was the first captaincy in a league game by the formidable Megan Merro
- The first ever “Lady of the Match” was awarded to the relentless Rachel Hanna (No8)
Yes there were nerves, but excitement and promise removed any niggling fears and regrets. Despite a 24-12 loss to Banbridge RFC, the Valentines played with passion, respect, grit, and determination.
Next home match is this Friday 7th October, with a 8:00pm kick off against Lurgan Women 1st XV. All support is greatly appreciated
Annual Golf Classic
Thanks to JC Halliday & Sons - Mid-Ulster for their continued support of our annual golf classic and for sponsoring the prize of a car for a hole-in-one at the 4th hole. This year's installment of our popular golf classic will be held at Moyola Park Golf Club on Friday 19th August and would not be possible without the support of our sponsors.
Crossing The Line
A great night was had by everyone in attendance at the launch of Crossing The Line, Willie Anderson’s autobiography, on Friday evening in the club. The book has been very well received and will no doubt be a best seller!
Benvenuto McKinley!
Rainey Old Boys RFC is delighted to announce the appointment of Ian McKinley as its 1st XV Head Coach for the 2021/22 season.
Ian previously played for UCD, Leinster and Ireland U20s before relocating to Udine in Italy to begin his coaching career in 2013. He resumed playing again in 2014, using specially manufactured goggles which he pioneered that allowed him to play safely again following an accident in 2011 led to him losing the sight in his left eye. He spent the next 6 years playing in Italy for Zebre and Treviso before winning the first of 9 international caps for Italy in November 2017.
Ian relocated from Treviso last summer to his wife Cordelia’s home village of Bellaghy. They welcomed baby Malachy to the family in December and have settled into the local area. Ian arrived at Rainey last July as 1st XV backs coach and his impact was felt immediately by the team. Unfortunately, the season was brought to a premature end in October and Ian didn’t get to fully impart his blueprint and knowledge onto the squad.