Rugby fans from across Kildare, Laois, Wicklow and Offaly descended on Fitzpatrick’s Opel Naas on Tuesday 3rd November for the Fitzpatrick’s Opel Rugby Evening, and for two hours the showroom beside the Naas Ball was transformed into a rugby clubhouse.
A huge crowd turned out to meet Ireland internationals from both the women’s and men’s squads, with Anna McGann, Sam Prendergast, Cian Prendergast, and Jamie Osborne among the stars in the room. Former Ireland international Bernard Jackman hosted a lively Q&A, with the players sharing stories from camp, memories of the big games and a glimpse of what really goes on behind the scenes. Young fans queued for photographs and autographs, and the questions from the floor kept the panel on their toes.
The evening also delivered for grassroots rugby. As part of Opel’s Balls for Clubs initiative, club and school representatives from across the four counties went home with brand new Gilbert rugby balls, including Tullamore Rugby Club, Portarlington RFC, Athy RFC, West Wicklow RFC, Newbridge RFC, PortDara, Mountmellick MCS, Cill Dara RFC, Cross and Passion College Kilcullen and Coolmine RFC.
Gillian Tyrell of West Wicklow RFC had a night to remember, winning both a signed Ireland jersey for her club along with her own tickets to the men’s Six Nations clash with France in 2027. Rory Nicholson took home tickets to the women’s Ireland v England fixture, while Richard Powell won tickets to the men’s Ireland v England match.
Fitzpatrick’s Opel Naas would like to thank everyone who travelled, the players, Bernard Jackman, and Opel Ireland for their support.
