Generations of players, volunteers and supporters will come together to mark a century of rugby in Bantry.
Bantry Bay Rugby Football Club will celebrate its centenary with a special Gala Dinner at the Westlodge Hotel on Saturday, 7 November 2026, bringing together generations of players, volunteers, supporters and friends to mark 100 years of rugby in the Bantry community.
Hosted by former Ireland international and coach Bernard Jackman, the evening will include a drinks reception, three-course dinner, live music and dancing, while giving former teammates and friends an opportunity to reconnect and celebrate the people who have shaped the club over the past century.
A number of well-known personalities from provincial and national rugby will also join the celebrations, helping to make the centenary gala a particularly special occasion for the club and the wider Bantry community.
Founded in 1926, Bantry enjoyed major success during its early years, including four County Cup victories during the 1930s. After rugby disappeared from the town for several decades, the club was reformed in 1992, beginning a new chapter that has seen Bantry Bay RFC grow into a thriving club serving approximately 200 members from underage through to adult rugby.
A special historical exhibition on the night will feature photographs, memorabilia and stories from across those 100 years, remembering the teams, characters and volunteers who helped build the club while also celebrating the generations carrying it forward today.
Bantry Bay RFC Chairperson Francis Hourihane said:
“This is much more than a dinner. It is an opportunity to bring together everyone who has been part of Bantry Bay RFC over the years, remember the people who built the club and celebrate what it has become. We would particularly love to see former players and members coming back to Bantry to share the night with us.”
Entertainment will be provided by Dr. Feelgood and the Electric Mayhem, followed by a DJ. An auction will also take place on the night, featuring a specially commissioned painting by Bantry artist Danny Vincent Smith, inspired by the Bantry men’s team’s centenary climb of Carrauntoohil.
Tickets are €70 per person and are available by contacting bantrybayrfcpro@gmail.com.
All past and present players, members, supporters and friends of Bantry Bay RFC are warmly invited to be part of this landmark centenary celebration.
Former players and members now living away from Bantry are particularly encouraged to return and reconnect with the club for the occasion.
Media enquiries:
Mary Kate Doherty
Honorary Secretary, Bantry Bay RFC
secretary@bantrybayrfc.com
Ticket enquiries:
Linda McCarthy
PRO, Bantry Bay RFC
bantrybayrfcpro@gmail.com
