Taken from knockon.ie:
NUIM Barnhall RFC
Last Season
4th in the Ulster Bank League Division 2B
Currently
Three seasons ago Barnhall were looking at two successive relegations and a trip back to the Junior ranks but they survived to fight another season. It was the shot in the arm they needed as they have rebuilt from that scare and are now our favourites for the Division 2B title.
In fact they really should have been promoted last season, a victory in their last game would have guaranteed promotion and even a losing bonus would have secured the play-off spot, but as mentioned before away victories are very hard to achieve in this division and Connemara away is not a nice away trip for any Leinster side.
Since 2005 they have had a strong link with NUI Maynooth and this relationship was cemented in 2010 when Barnhall became NUIM Barnhall. The advantage of this relationship is that Barnhall can offer scholarships to the university and can attract some outstanding young rugby talent who are academically minded.
Three year plan
With the introduction of their academy Barnhall made already made moves to protect their future, their u21s are very competitive and whereas traditionally Barnhall were seen as a forward dominated set piece team they now have probably the most exciting backline in the Division.
They have an astute coach in Dennis Bowes but have lost their u21 coaching consultant John Bagnall to Clondalkin, Bagnall would know the North Midlands talent pretty well and would be key to spotting talent and recommending players for scholarships.
Still though with the structures now in place and the population base of North Kildare where the Blue Bulls only competition for players are the perennial strugglers North Kildare RFC and Clane RFC, it’s easy to see why many see such a promising future for NUIM Barnhall.
Next Season
Outright Winners.
For more please click here
