Ballynahinch, formed in 1954, will become the first Ulster team to play in Ulster Bank League Division 1A when they start their campaign against Cork Con at Ballymacarn Park on Saturday (kick off 2.30pm).
Since the leagues were restructured in 2009, the highest level of Ulster's representation has been in Division 1B.
It has been a remarkable journey for the County Down club who were promoted to the senior ranks in 1996, following a successful period in junior rugby.
It will be vital for ...
Ballynahinch, formed in 1954, will become the first Ulster team to play in Ulster Bank League Division 1A when they start their campaign against Cork Con at Ballymacarn Park on Saturday (kick off 2.30pm). Since the leagues were restructured in 2009, the highest level of Ulster's representation has been in Division 1B. It has been a remarkable journey for the County Down club who were promoted to the senior ranks in 1996, following a successful period in junior rugby. It will be vital for club captain Stuart Morrow and his teammates, and for Ulster Rugby, that 'Hinch compete in this top level, and everyone at Ballymacarn Park is excited about the season ahead. The only Division 1A club 'Hinch have yet to face in senior competition is Dublin side Clontarf, and two clubs will meet for the first time at home on 7th December. Perhaps Ballynahinch is best known for their giant killing AIB Cup triumph in 2009 when, as a second division club, the Hinch defeat Division 1 champions Shannon in Limerick, then beat Garryowen at Ballymacarn Park in the semi-final to set up a final clash against and subsequent victory over Cork Con at Dubarry Park, Athlone. Since then, 'Hinch have been consistently one of the best club sides on the island. Ballynahinch is not all about the 1st XV, it is a club that is set within a tight knit rural community and as such enjoys enormous support. Mini Rugby thrives at Ballymacarn Park with 250-300 young boys and girls from P1 to P7 enjoying their first introduction to the sport every Saturday morning. Richard Hart is mini rugby convener and he has been encouraged with the turnout this season: "It is fantastic to see so many young people of all ages enjoying their first taste of rugby football. The facilities and coaches we have at Ballynahinch are second to none and we are looking forward to another successful season." The club has invested in new female changing rooms and showers to facilitate the formation of a Ladies team. Encouraging numbers have been turning up for pre-season training and a Ballynahinch team will take part in the Women's league this season. Ballynahinch will once again field seven adult teams from the 1st XV to the 7th XV Evergreens and all will be hoping to repeat the success they had last season. The Youth Section of the club is just a vibrant with strong teams fielded at U13, U15, U17 and U19 age grades. Youth rugby at the club is under the watchful eye of the very highly regarded Latimer Adair and his team of coaches. With such hard work going on at various levels within the club it is no surprise that 'Hinch have enjoyed great success over the years. Hopefully, for the benefit of the club and for Ulster Rugby, they can continue the trend this season. CLICK HERE TO VIEW THIS WEEKEND'S DOMESTIC FIXTURES
Ballynahinch, formed in 1954, will become the first Ulster team to play in Ulster Bank League Division 1A when they start their campaign against Cork Con at Ballymacarn Park on Saturday (kick off 2.30pm). Since the leagues were restructured in 2009, the highest level of Ulster's representation has been in Division 1B. It has been a remarkable journey for the County Down club who were promoted to the senior ranks in 1996, following a successful period in junior rugby. It will be vital for club captain Stuart Morrow and his teammates, and for Ulster Rugby, that 'Hinch compete in this top level, and everyone at Ballymacarn Park is excited about the season ahead. The only Division 1A club 'Hinch have yet to face in senior competition is Dublin side Clontarf, and two clubs will meet for the first time at home on 7th December. Perhaps Ballynahinch is best known for their giant killing AIB Cup triumph in 2009 when, as a second division club, the Hinch defeat Division 1 champions Shannon in Limerick, then beat Garryowen at Ballymacarn Park in the semi-final to set up a final clash against and subsequent victory over Cork Con at Dubarry Park, Athlone. Since then, 'Hinch have been consistently one of the best club sides on the island. Ballynahinch is not all about the 1st XV, it is a club that is set within a tight knit rural community and as such enjoys enormous support. Mini Rugby thrives at Ballymacarn Park with 250-300 young boys and girls from P1 to P7 enjoying their first introduction to the sport every Saturday morning. Richard Hart is mini rugby convener and he has been encouraged with the turnout this season: "It is fantastic to see so many young people of all ages enjoying their first taste of rugby football. The facilities and coaches we have at Ballynahinch are second to none and we are looking forward to another successful season." The club has invested in new female changing rooms and showers to facilitate the formation of a Ladies team. Encouraging numbers have been turning up for pre-season training and a Ballynahinch team will take part in the Women's league this season. Ballynahinch will once again field seven adult teams from the 1st XV to the 7th XV Evergreens and all will be hoping to repeat the success they had last season. The Youth Section of the club is just a vibrant with strong teams fielded at U13, U15, U17 and U19 age grades. Youth rugby at the club is under the watchful eye of the very highly regarded Latimer Adair and his team of coaches. With such hard work going on at various levels within the club it is no surprise that 'Hinch have enjoyed great success over the years. Hopefully, for the benefit of the club and for Ulster Rugby, they can continue the trend this season. CLICK HERE TO VIEW THIS WEEKEND'S DOMESTIC FIXTURES