The Leinster League, The Midland League, The Provincial Towns Cup
| The Early Years | The Seventies | The Nineties | Argentina | 2000 onwards |
The Early Years
Birr RFC celebrated its centenary in 1987/88. Though there were many lapses in the first century of Birr RFC it nevertheless maintained a tradition of rugby in the locality. This era brought very little by way of silverware to the club. In 1933 Birr featured in the semi-final of the Provincial Town’s Cup, played at Donnybrook, Dublin where they were beaten by Wexford Wanderers 8 - 7. After being dormant for a few seasons Birr RFC was revived in 1963 and in the following season captured the Midland League. For many years Dooley’s Hotel provided facilities for Birr RFC. In the early ‘70s the County Arms Hotel provided facilities and in 1983, after a merger with the Ormond Lawn Tennis Club, Birr RFC moved into their new and current clubhouse.
1970-1980
The 1970’s provided a significant chapter to rugby in Birr. During this era Birr became one of the pioneers of youth rugby in the province. In 1976 and 1978 Birr won the Under 15’s and Under 17’s Leinster titles. While there have been many Midland Leagues won since at underage level their successes were never mirrored at adult level.
The Club in the Nineties
In 1996/97 Birr 1st.XV team gained promotion from Division 4. Birr 2nd.XV won their section also in Division 4.
In 1997/98, Birr maintained Division 3 status, narrowly failing to gain promotion to Division 2. Having secured a bye in the first round of the Smithwicks Provincial Towns Cup, Birr accounted for New Ross, and Mullingar to be beaten in the semi-final by Naas, the eventual winners of the Cup.
In 1998/99, Birr for the 2nd time in its history reached the semi-finals of the Provincial Town’s Cup. Again, the club was beaten, this time by Naas to a scoreline of 15 - 3. Our youths section embarked on their very first international tour when 39 players and eleven accompaning coaches /adults were hosted by Ellon RFC, near Aberdeen, in Scotland. The travelling party won the locally arranged tournament at both under 10’s and under 12’s.
Argentinian Tour
Losing many of our players to retirement, the 1999/2000 was very disappointing
as the club was demoted to Division 4 of the Leinster League. The disappointment
of the season was lifted when the club embarked on a very ambitious and
successful tour to Argentina. The youth section hosted Ellon RFC at mini
level. Ellon RFC won the specially commissioned CARA Cup and both club
twinned at Youth level.
The New Millenium
Fortunes again changed as the 2000/2001 season again saw the club gaining
promotion by winning Division 4. Due to the Foot & Mouth epidemic
in both the UK and here travel restrictions forced the cancellation of
many tours including the return tour to Scotland by the mini section.