IRISH RUGBY CLUB Athy RFC will not be forced to shut down, with the club having secured insurance to allow it to continue running.

Earlier this week, Athy had told its members that the club was experiencing “grave difficulty” in securing Public Liability insurance and also warned of the “serious threat to the future of the club”.

However, with assistance from Leinster Rugby and the IRFU, among others, the club has now agreed terms with Aviva Insurance that ensure it will live on.



Athy RFC have produced players such as Ireland international out-half Joey Carbery, Munster prop Jeremy Loughman, and Ireland U20 star Martin Moloney in recent years.

Joey Carbery is a product of Athy RFC. Source: Dan Sheridan/INPHO

Founded in 1880 and now fielding two men’s teams, a ladies team, and various underage sides, Athy wrote to members on Wednesday informing them that there was an impending threat of closure of the club and its grounds.

Athy had been having major difficulty securing Public Liability insurance due “an historic claim and a currently pending claim against the club,” and were facing a deadline of midnight on Monday 9 December to find a resolution or face being shut down.

Athy worked feverishly with “multiple brokers” to secure a quote, while TD Martin Heydon organised a meeting for the club with Michael D’Arcy, the Minister of State with special responsibility for Financial Services and Insurance.

Leinster Rugby and the IRFU also engaged with Athy as Irish rugby worked to ensure the Kildare club was not closed down.

Athy RFC has now confirmed that a positive resolution has been reached.

“Athy RFC can confirm that we have agreed terms through the IRFU & Aon for insurance cover with Aviva Insurance,” reads a club statement.

“We are, therefore, pleased to confirm that this matter has been resolved and that we can continue to focus on developing this successful rugby club for the benefit of our members.

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“The Executive Committee at Athy RFC also wish to acknowledge the huge volume of support we received from the rugby community as a whole. Our own membership was unwavering in their support, leaving us in no doubt about what a great club we are part of. Rugby players and supporters everywhere were ready to do anything they could to help out club in its hour of need.

“To Martin Heydon TD, Minister of State Michael D’Arcy, Leinster Rugby & the IRFU thank you for mobilising quickly when it was needed. To all who tried to find insurance cover for us, especially Wright Insurance Brokers in Carlow – thank you.

“To everyone else that helped and supported us, please accept a heart-felt thank you from everyone at Athy RFC. See you on, or off, the pitch!”