Larne Rugby Club memories from John Apsley

In 1968 Larne Rugby Club put wheels in motion to move their HQ from Sandy Bay to Glynn. A fifteen and a half acre site was purchased in Glynn which would accomodate 3 playing pitches and a large scale pavillion.

Map showing proposed new site for Larne Rugby Club

The club's initiative was welcomed by by the then mayor, Alderman Hugh Mckay, who said "The officials and members are to be congratulated on taking this step. Two years ago at the club's annual dinner I said that while the council was happy to accommodate them at Sandy Bay, Larne would not be a 'real' club until they owned their own ground."

Support for the venture was expressed by the president of the Ulster branch of the IRFU, Mr. W.J. Patterson, "I am delighted to see Larne moving foward. This venture will stabilise rugby football in the town."

Club president Mr. George Moore also said "Since I took over as president I have always stressed that the purchase of our own ground should be our objective. I am glad that the search is over and that we now have a firm target in view."

Larne RFC officials inspect the site of their new playing fields at Glynn

The purchase price was £8000 of which £1500 was paid immediately with the rest being raised from members.

Fund raising became a "matter of urgency" to try to reduce the effect of loan charges and a letter was sent to all members asking for donations of £100 over a 4 year period.

Development fund form sent to members asking for donations

A sale was also held in the King's Arms Hotel on 7th of December to help raise funds.

An appeal was made to all members, both playing and non-playing, to provide as many items as possible for the various stalls to make the sale a truly 'club' effort

The club adopted the slogan 'We sell anything', a variation of a well known businessman's slogan of 'We buy anything'.

The new complex was opened in April 1977 with a match between a President XV and a team chosen by Willie John McBride. A certain ex-RUC chief Constable played at number 2 for the President's XV.

Team list for President XV and a team chosen by Willie John McBride