Dundalk Rugby Club will play arguably the most important game in their history tomorrow when they travel to Kilternan in Dublin to take on De La Salle Palmerston in the All-Ireland League promotion/relegation play-off.
A victory for the Mill Road side will see them play senior rugby for the first time in their history.
Dundalk completed their Ulster Bank League Round Robin campaign with a 48-28 victory over Connemara in Clifden last weekend.
Following earlier wins away to Instonians and at home against Clonmel, Dundalk travelled west knowing that a win of any hue would deliver the Round Robin title and a shot at achieving AIL status.
And they were quickly off the mark racking up four tries through flanker James McConnon, out-half Jonathan Williams, winger Ultan Murphy and lock Mike Bentley to ensure the bonus point before the break as they established a 26-13 half-time advantage.
While the hosts managed three tries, Dundalk kept them comfortably at arm’s length. Full-back Stephen McGee, winger Owen McNally and Williams with his second, all touched down in the second half to set up the biggest day in the club’s history tomorrow.
Back in the 1980’s they came close to winning the old J1 League which would have seen them promoted to senior status and they were also the first winners of the Leinster League in 1994/95 but that was a year before the pathway to the AIL was created.
On the flip side De La Salle Palmerston are a well-established club with a proud history in the AIL, including briefly playing in Division 1 back in 1998/99 but tomorrow they are fighting for their senior survival and a tremendous battle is in prospect.
A number of buses are going to the game on the Glenamuck Road on Saturday and anyone who would like to attend should call 087 2795429 to book their seat.
