Cill Dara RFC to launch book on its almost 50 year history

Paddock to Park will be jointly launched by, former club player and RTÉ radio star, Ray Darcy and Irish Women’s Rugby International, Cill Dara’s own, Sarah Delaney

Cill Dara Rugby Football Club is set to unveil its first historical record, Paddock to Park, at a special gathering for club members and friends on Friday, November 22nd.

The book offers a fascinating journey through the club’s nearly 50-year history, blending the stories of camaraderie, passion, and community that have shaped Cill Dara RFC since its founding in 1976.

The book provides a unique perspective beyond typical match reports and statistics, capturing the voices and memories of key figures who have been instrumental in the club's evolution.

Starting from humble roots—a paddock generously loaned by the late Michael Osborne, then manager of the Irish National Stud—Cill Dara RFC has since transformed into a modern sports facility at Silken Thomas Park, equipped with three full playing pitches, a gym, and clubhouse.

In addition to celebrating the club’s many achievements, Paddock to Park explores the challenges, disappointments, and unwavering commitment of the players, coaches, and volunteers that have made the club a pillar within the Leinster North Midlands Rugby Area and beyond. It also highlights the untold stories of unsung heroes whose resilience and dedication embody the spirit of Cill Dara RFC.

Paddock to Park will be jointly launched by, former club player and RTÉ radio star, Ray Darcy and Irish Women’s Rugby International, Cill Dara’s own, Sarah Delaney, in the Silken Thomas, Kildare Town at 7pm on Friday 22nd November. 

Ger Conway, chairman of the book’s organising committee, expressed his hope that Paddock to Park will serve as “a testament to the enduring legacy of the club and the impact it has had on generations of players and supporters, as well as the passion and sense of community that has defined Cill Dara RFC for nearly five decades.”

This historic publication is expected to strike a chord with past and present members, rugby fans, historians, and the wider Kildare Town community, all of whom are invited to attend the launch event.

The book can be purchased at the launch, at book shops in Kildare Town or at: https://square.link/u/Us44FryG (link to Cill Dara RFC shop).

Cill Dara RFC players 

Cill Dara RFC is a prime example of the contribution that provincial and rural clubs make to Irish rugby. Former senior Ireland internationals, Fergus McFadden, Áine Donnelly, Sarah Delaney and Patrick Murphy (capped for USA),  of course not forgetting Sam Prendergast as well as Johne Murphy, with nearly 200 caps combined for Leicester Tigers and Munster, all emerged from the club.