Clanwilliam Football Club is the sixth oldest rugby union club in Ireland. The club is based in Tipperary Town, County Tipperary. Clanwilliam FC has a proud tradition of playing rugby and developing young players, a number of whom have represented Munster and Ireland at Youth, Junior and Senior levels, including players such as Alan Quinlan, John Lacey, Tommy O'Donnell and Amee-Leigh Costigan.
Clanwilliam FC currently caters for all age groups including Mini’s Rugby (U7s to U12s for boys and girls), Youths Rugby (U13s, U14s, U16s & U18s) and the club has two adult teams (1st XV & 2nd XV). The 1st XV currently compete in the First Division of the Munster Junior League.
Clanwilliam Football Club were founded in 1879, making them the sixth oldest rugby club in Ireland. [1] It is not known why they were founded however, it is speculated that it was to capitalise on the popularity of rugby at The Abbey School. [2] It is also speculated that the growth of rugby in the area through the school and Clanwilliam led to a resurgence in gaelic football leading to the eventual foundation of the Gaelic Athletic Association in nearby Thurles. [2] The club lived a nomadic existence until 1956 when they moved to Clanwilliam Park and later opened a second team pitch at Collegelands, Tipperary. Clanwilliam Park has been used as the venue for the Munster Schools Junior Cup. [3] In 1947, the club won the Munster Junior Cup. [4] They also won the Munster Challenge Cup in 1996. [1] Former Munster Rugby and Ireland national rugby union team player Alan Quinlan started his career at Clanwilliam prior to rugby union permitting professionalism. [5]
In 2018, when the Irish Wheelchair Association in County Tipperary required additional funding, Clanwilliam took it upon themselves to raise €112,000 for the charity. [6]