We are Marys Boys – Poem by D. O’Brien
Our History
We are Marys’ Boys
In nineteen nought old Marys Boys, fed up with girls and silly toys,
Had played at school and wanted more, then saw there wasn’t much in store.
So off they went and here’s the rub, they went and formed a rugby club.
A nomad club it was to roam, until it found a stable home.
Rathmines and Donnybrook they went, but slowly all their work was spent.
The dream it seemed had all but died, but no, they toiled and it revived.
Out to Kimmage Grove they sped and found a field and cattle shed.
Before each game they cleaned the dung and afterwards their anthems sung.
They played with passion and with power, and after took a freezing shower.
Yet soon the medals and the cups, with Marys’ spirit they built up.
Great men were also to the fore, Bolger, Branagan and more,
Fagan, Gilsenan and Reddy, Whelan, Fanagan all steady.
Big John O’D and Vinno too, Smythy, Corrigans by two.
Then in the fifties lack of space, forced their hand to change at pace.
With no home they could not survive, so crossed the road to College Drive.
The Holy Grail, a need there came, the Leinster Senior Cup to claim.
With Cookie, Ned and Captain Joe, the Hussey twins to have a go,
Vino, Lee, Dowling and big Nick, and Wally too and Whitty Dick.
In fifty eight on mission big, they won that cup and drank its swig.
Then swore our ethos truly deep, ensure the finest rugby, keep
And cherish all with care and pride and never weakest cast aside.
Much achieved with those trophies great, and leagues and cups to celebrate.
A special team, yes one sublime, they set their sights on sixty nine.
The Lion Sean, JB by his side, Moloney, Mullen, Cookie’s glide.
Hickie, Donnellan, Gull to soar, and win that Leinster cup once more.
With grit and fire JB’s team, to win a league was his big dream,
That was the year seventy one, when JB’s greatest feat was done.
First ever senior league took flight, JB’s team won it out of sight.
Less than five short years from then, the club was on the move again.
Up the road where we would fulfil, remaining dreams at Templeville.
Since here we have achieved all things, open to us with greatest wins.
The nineties very soon came round, when club rugby broke new ground.
The AIL it did appear, with Marys in the topmost tier.
Each year we fought and better got, until at last we neared the top,
Two thousand was our hundredth year, to win that crown would be so dear.
Popey coached a wonder team, and Trevor led us to the dream.
Wild celebrations they were made, and plans for future greats were laid.
Through the noughties we made good ground, but top winning was not oft found.
Infrastructure it improved and other things that we all loved.
A women’s team the club did start, it has become a vital part.
Steve and Smythy built anew, so skills and winnings they soon grew.
Coach Ciaran Potts and Skipper Hugh, showed their love of white and blue.
Two thou and twelve with skill and power, they won that league, their finest hour.
Each player loyal to the core, that squad goes down in Marys’ Lore.
And since that time as you might guess, we’ve built that dream and made progress.
And now in year of one two five, the club is vibrant and alive.
Every cup, each league and plate, we have brought home them all to date.
Great stars have played and graced our fields, and helped us win and grow our yields.
They are too many to give names, they know themselves and all their fames.
Each member’s a star in their way, what ever level they did play.
Or not at all but did a bit, then you are part of all of it.
Male or female it is the same, you are part of our great game
For you give all with cheer and grace and make the club a better place.
When we look back we must say thanks to those who laid those building planks.
We must ensure we do not waste their efforts and this special place.
For we must solemnly aver, we will mind it all with greatest care.
We’re Marys Boys in white and blue, to our great club we will stay true.
D O’Brien. Season 125.
