29 May Inaugural Presentation of Luke Kenny Memorial Shield
Balreask Old hosted a deeply meaningful gathering last Saturday as this past season’s Under 18.5 Boys squad and mentor group took to the pitch for one final event together as a youth squad.
The afternoon kicked off with a spirited game of touch rugby, but the gathering carried a profound significance for everyone involved. It marked the final time this tight-knit group would share the turf as a senior youth team. Ahead of the autumn, these young men are preparing to take their next major steps, with many heading off to third-level education and others transitioning into the Under 20s and adult rugby ranks next season.
Towards the latter end of the season, the U18.5 squad collectively decided to dedicate their premier individual accolade to honor a member of the wider Navan RFC community who is dearly missed.
Luke Kenny passed away suddenly last March. Luke was the son of Pat Kenny, a man who has given over two decades of invaluable service to Navan RFC, shaping the club’s development pathways as a dedicated coach to both youth boys’ and adult men’s teams.
To ensure Luke’s memory lives on at the heart of the club’s transition structures, the squad established the Luke Kenny Memorial Shield with the intention for it to serve as the permanent trophy for the U18.5 Boys Players’ Player of the Year.
At the conclusion of the touch rugby match, players, coaches, and mentors gathered alongside the main pitch beside the clubhouse for the formal presentation.
In a poignant and proud moment for the club, Pat Kenny was on hand to present the inaugural shield to Rhian Flaherty. Rhian had previously been announced as the U18.5 Boys Players’ Player of the Year at the recent 2025/26 Senior and Youth Awards Night, and receiving the newly struck shield from Pat wrapped up a remarkable season for the young player.
Navan RFC extends its warmest congratulations to Rhian Flaherty on a thoroughly deserved award, and our continued deepest thoughts and solidarity remain with Pat and the entire Kenny family.
To our departing Under 18.5 squad: you have represented the jersey with immense pride, skill, and integrity all season. As you move into adult rugby or begin your academic journeys away from home, you go with the very best wishes of everyone at Balreask Old!
You will always be a part of the Navan RFC family!