Welcoming Our Club President for 2026/7

We were delighted to introduce Niall Fitzgerald as our club President for season 2026/7 at the recent Spring GM in the clubhouse. Outgoing President Owen O'Leary handed over the keys to the high office as his own, very successful, tenure came to a close.

We will let Niall take it from here in his own words.

"I am extremely proud and honoured to be elected and serve as the President of De La Salle Palmerston FC for the forthcoming 2026/27 season. I look forward to representing the club and the members as the season progresses.

"I have been involved in the club at all different levels since the club merged back in 1985 and remember, albeit vaguely, getting the 44 bus from Dundrum to Kilternan on Sunday mornings to train and play in the mini youth section. Never did I think that the club would have experienced all that it has in the years since and would evolve into the fantastic facility for rugby in Dublin 18 that it is now.

"Last year was a superb year for De La Salle Palmerston FC as we saw our first team compete so well in Leinster League 1B and the 2^nd XV brought home the silverware with the Byrne Cup. All our other adult teams took to the pitches and represented our club with pride and distinction, and I am looking forward to seeing that continue into this season.

"Our Ladies’ teams just go from strength to strength, and it is great to see the numbers involved and the dedication behind them. We also have our vibrant boys’ and girls’ teams in mini youth training and playing in such numbers. It warms my heart to see the smiles on all their faces as they enjoy their experience of playing for Salmo for what I hope will be many years to come.

"And of course, we have our Vikings and Eagle teams – they represent all that is good about Salmo with everyone looking out for each other and supporting one another whenever it is needed. 

"I would like to personally welcome all our visitors and officials to Kirwan Park. I hope you get to experience some of the famous Salmo hospitality that the club has a growing reputation for. I would encourage all members to extend that hospitality to all visiting teams and officials whenever possible. That’s what rugby is all about.

"In recent years we have seen a transformation in our local community as Kilternan and its surrounding areas grows at a rapid rate. I hope that De La Salle Palmerston can be a part of the lives of the existing and new residents of the local community and I encourage everyone to come along whenever they can to see what Salmo has to offer, attend the events that the club hosts and enjoy the hospitality in Kirwan Park.

"The operation of a club like ours is not possible without the tireless efforts of all our volunteers - the heartbeat of any club – without them we simply would cease to be. So, thank you from the bottom of my heart to all of you who coach, manage, assist with teams or sit on committees and sacrifice your personal time to ensure that we have the very best that rugby has to offer in Kirwan Park. It is very much appreciated. We need more volunteers though and please let me know if you would like to contribute in any way to the running of the club.

"To our sponsors that help us provide the best facilities we can – thank you. Clubs like ours rely on sponsorship from local business and beyond to survive. I am delighted to announce that this year we have Durkans and Evara joining as sponsors in De La Salle Palmerston FC for the forthcoming season. I would ask all club members to support our sponsors in any way they can. Indeed, if any businesses would like to get involved, please do – we will promote your brand as best we can and partner with you in providing this wonderful rugby resource in our community.

"To every player who decks out with the Salmo crest week in week out – I wish you all the enjoyment that rugby in this great club has to offer. The time in your life playing rugby is one that you will always fondly remember so make the most of it – most importantly – enjoy it!

"Finally, to Owen, congratulations on finishing your tenure as our club president. You represented the club with pride and distinction. Your actions promoting mental health were both innovative and brave. The posters really stuck with me personally and I thought they deserved to go viral as they did. Well done and enjoy your downtime with Lisa."

Yours in rugby,

Niall Fitzgerald

President – De La Salle Palmerston FC