One of rugby’s oldest traditions is the playing of competitive friendly fixtures. The advent of the All Ireland League (AIL) has greatly reduced the number of such games in recent times, but they continue to play a key role in forging strong links and friendships between clubs.

In its long history, Sligo RFC have hosted and visited many clubs, but on Tuesday August 24th in Hamilton Park at 6 pm, they host a unique return friendly fixture, albeit after a lapse of 100 years. Sligo last played Dublin University (Trinity College) in a friendly fixture in 1910, and to mark the centenary of that fixture the two clubs will meet again on Tuesday next. It must constitute a world record for any sport that a fixture is renewed after 100 years.

Therefore, it is appropriate that Dublin University RFC (founded in 1854) and the second longest established rugby club in the world, and Sligo RFC, (founded in 1892) the second oldest rugby club in Connacht, should meet in this fixture. It promises to be an intriguing game, and it should also be a memorable post match occasion in the recently refurbished Hamilton Park clubhouse.

No details are available as to how the 1910 fixture, which most likely was played within the Trinity College campus, came about. At that time Dublin University was Ireland’s leading club and they had several International players in their ranks, including their noted half-back partnership of Dickie Lloyd and Harry Read. The captain of the 1910 Ireland International team was George T. Hamlet (Old Wesley) a second row.

George’s son, George, who celebrated his ninetieth birthday a few months ago, is a former president of Sligo RFC. A hugely popular and respected figure with all in the club, George has attained legendary status for his dedicated service to Sligo RFC for over half a century. He still retains his infectious enthusiasm for the game, and will undoubtedly be present in Hamilton Park on Tuesday, for both the game and the aftermatch reception.

The students who now play in the AIL Division 2 are taking their entire senior squad to Sligo, so not only will it be a nostalgic occasion, but the standard of rugby should be of a high order. It should be a very entertaining and informative fixture. Sligo have worked hard in their pre-season training, while all visiting players will be endeavouring to impress their highly rated English coach, Tony Smeeth, and his assistant, Hugh Maguire, a native of Easkey.

Trinity will call on a number of players who have represented Ireland at under-age levels, including out-half, David Joyce, centre, Conor Colclough, prop James Gethins, as well as their American International second row, Scott La Valla..

In recent times Sligo had links with Dublin University, as up until last season Paul Gillespie played a starring role for the club at full-back in the AIL, while in the early 1980’s, George Mullan was a prominent back-row player for their senior side. This could be an auspicious season for Sligo, and they will be buoyed by the fact that under new IRFU regulations, victory in the Connacht Junior 1 League will guarantee automatic promotion to the AIL Division 3 in 2011-2012.Coach, Simon Galvan, will approach the season in optimistic mood, as the entire squad from last season, with the exception of prop, Jason East, who is currently playing for High School Old Boys in Christchurch, are available for selection.

Talk of retirement by a couple of players at the end of last season has proved to be groundless. Galvan has secured the services of former U-18 starlet with the club, wing forward, Paddy Conlon, who played with UCD for the past four seasons. Matta Fiffifi has returned to the fold, while Kiwis, Paddy Pearson and Jordan Farrington, are both gunning for action. Much will also be expected from Niall O’Hara who was plagued with injuries last season.

Sligo commence their Connacht League campaign away to Galwegians on September 19th, and prior to that will have other ‘warmup’ games with Longford, Buccaneers and Tuam.

Newly elected president, John Kane, has all the administrative groundwork in place, and an optimistic atmosphere pervades the club in anticipation of the new season. 2010- 2011 could well be a red letter season for Sligo RFC. John’s first official function as president will be historic, and it should also be a memorable occasion for the players, as well as for all members, friends and supporters of Sligo RFC.