Gorey RFC Players in the Green Jersey

Gorey Rugby Club are celebrating on the double with the brilliant news that Robin Copeland has been added to the extended Irish squad for the upcoming RBS 6 Nations campaign. This follows on from the recent news of the selection of Gorey's Stephen Gardiner for the Irish Under 20's for the upcoming Home Internationals. Both Robin and Stephen began their rugby careers with Gorey RFC.

Robin moved on to Kilkenny College for his secondary education. He then played for St. Marys in Dublin before moving across the water where he now plays for Cardiff Blues. He has been in great form this season, with numerous man of the matches awards, in the Heineken Cup. He has since caught the eye of Munster who have signed him up for next season - much to the upset of the Cardiff Blues fans with whom he is a massive favourite. Robin is son of Ned and Valerie Copeland and brother to Adrian and Nevil who both continue to play, with distinction, for his home club in Gorey.

Stephen Gardiner's inclusion in the Irish Under 20 Squad comes as no surprise to all who know him. Stephen was part of last years successful Gorey Under 19 Cup Winning team. He also played with the Gorey Seniors becoming the youngest ever Player of the Year. He went on to represent Leinster at Under 20 where he forced his way into the team as a starter. He has since joined the Lansdowne Club where fellow Gorey man, William Earle, is this year's Club Captain. Stephen is very highly regarded by all connected with Gorey RFC.

Nicky Popplewell became the first Gorey Clubman to wear the Irish jersey. Since then both Sheriff brothers, Rory and Eoin, represented Ireland at Under 21 and Under 20. Foster Horan then joined this select group with his inclusion in the Under 20 World Cup Team in South Africa in 2012. William Earle also played for the Irish Under 18 team. Last year saw Gorey's James Nolan Captain the Ireland Under 18 team. James is currently on the Gorey Senior team who are top of Division 2A.

Gorey President John Breen wished both players well and ensured them that the Club are very proud and honoured with their respective selections. Their selection should encourage all those Minis and Youths that anything is achievable - if you have the belief and the persistence to succeed.

This Saturday evening at 7.30pm in Clonattin the Gorey Seniors, including the above mentioned Copeland brothers & also James Nolan, take on Railway Union in Div 2a of the League. They are unbeaten this season & are moving ever closer to League success. The following Sunday, 26th of Jan at 2 in Clonattin, Gorey take on Mullingar RFC in the Provincial Towns cup at Clonattin kick off is 2.30pm. This promises to be a cracker of a game with the both teams fielding very young sides who are not afraid to attack.

There is a real buzz around Gorey RFC this season and these international announcements will certainly add to this. Be a part of it - get out and support the Club.