History
Suttonians RFC was reformed in 1924. The initial playing grounds were located off Saxe Lane (now Church Rd.) and were leased from the St Lawrence family of Howth Castle. The club was affiliated to the Leinster Branch of the Irish Rugby Football Union in 1927. The original club colours were blue with a white star, which survived till 1932, when the present colours of Blue, Green and White were adopted.
The first club-house was built in 1929 on the Saxe Lane site and became known as the 'Tin Shed'. In 1934 Suttonians RFC and the famous 'Tin Shed' moved from Saxe Lane, (now the home of Sutton Lawn Tennis Club), to its present site on Station Road, with the first match on the new pitch against Malahide RFC on 24th November 1934.
This famous 'Tin Shed' clubhouse remained in use with various extensions till 1971, when a permanent structure was built. A second pitch adjoining Station Road was purchased from the McDowell family in 1982. The clubhouse was extensively damaged in a fire at the start of the 1984/85 season. It was redesigned and completed during the 1985/86 season and continues to provide facilities for 4 senior and 10 under age teams.
The JJ McDowell Memorial Grounds as the grounds are now officially known are named in memory of one of the clubs greatest benefactors. Jack McDowell, (of O'Connell Streets Happy Ring House), who was a former player, club captain and president and the owner of a famous Irish racehorses. In 1947 his horse Caughoo, locally trained by his brother Herbie in Malahide won the Aintree Grand National as a 100/1 outsider in a famous and controversial race.
Since the amalgamation with Foxfield RFC in 1977, Suttonians RFC has provided juvenile rugby for age groups 7 to 19 years. This section of Suttonians RFC has continued to be the main provider of players to the clubs senior ranks. This continual focus and investment in our local talent has helped Suttonians RFC through much of the recent turmoil of the professional era. Suttonians RFC are the envy of many All Ireland League clubs across the country in being able to provide more than 90% of the Senior squad from local talent.
Further recognition of the role Suttonians RFC has played and continues to play in the development of rugby in Leinster is the election of Rory Barry-Duke as President of the Leinster Branch of the Irish Rugby Football Union for 2006/07. Rory's commitment to making Suttonians RFC so successful as a community based club, and his contribution as player, coach and club president has been immense. This honour is due recognition of his contribution to local, Leinster and Irish rugby.
The first club-house was built in 1929 on the Saxe Lane site and became known as the 'Tin Shed'. In 1934 Suttonians RFC and the famous 'Tin Shed' moved from Saxe Lane, (now the home of Sutton Lawn Tennis Club), to its present site on Station Road, with the first match on the new pitch against Malahide RFC on 24th November 1934.
This famous 'Tin Shed' clubhouse remained in use with various extensions till 1971, when a permanent structure was built. A second pitch adjoining Station Road was purchased from the McDowell family in 1982. The clubhouse was extensively damaged in a fire at the start of the 1984/85 season. It was redesigned and completed during the 1985/86 season and continues to provide facilities for 4 senior and 10 under age teams.
The JJ McDowell Memorial Grounds as the grounds are now officially known are named in memory of one of the clubs greatest benefactors. Jack McDowell, (of O'Connell Streets Happy Ring House), who was a former player, club captain and president and the owner of a famous Irish racehorses. In 1947 his horse Caughoo, locally trained by his brother Herbie in Malahide won the Aintree Grand National as a 100/1 outsider in a famous and controversial race.
Since the amalgamation with Foxfield RFC in 1977, Suttonians RFC has provided juvenile rugby for age groups 7 to 19 years. This section of Suttonians RFC has continued to be the main provider of players to the clubs senior ranks. This continual focus and investment in our local talent has helped Suttonians RFC through much of the recent turmoil of the professional era. Suttonians RFC are the envy of many All Ireland League clubs across the country in being able to provide more than 90% of the Senior squad from local talent.
Further recognition of the role Suttonians RFC has played and continues to play in the development of rugby in Leinster is the election of Rory Barry-Duke as President of the Leinster Branch of the Irish Rugby Football Union for 2006/07. Rory's commitment to making Suttonians RFC so successful as a community based club, and his contribution as player, coach and club president has been immense. This honour is due recognition of his contribution to local, Leinster and Irish rugby.
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