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This year sees the introduction of a new Bank of Ireland Cup final with a newly named Cup - The Reid Cup. The Reid Cup will be presented to the winners of the Bank of Ireland Senior 2nds Cup competition which sees Corinthians RFC 2nds take on Galwegians RFC 2nds in Dexcom Stadium on Sunday, 21st of December at 3:00 PM.
Buccaneers RFC Committee member and club stalwart Lorna Stuart-Trainor spoke about the naming of The Reid Cup and the influence of the Reid family within Buccaneers, Athlone, and the wider rugby community in Connacht.
"It is with great pride and appreciation that we see one of our club’s past trophies given a new lease of life. We extend our sincere thanks to the Connacht Branch for affording us this honour.
We propose to rename this cup The Reid Trophy, which will be awarded in the Bank of Ireland J1 Senior Cup Competition. In doing so, we follow in the proud tradition of the Cawley Cup and the Curley Cup, both of which were named to acknowledge families with deep and enduring ties to rugby in Connacht.
The Reid family have been central to the life and history of our club for decades, and it is fitting that their name will now live on through this competition. This season holds particular significance as it marks 40 years since Christy Reid Snr. served as President of Athlone RFC. Christy, along with his late wife Hazel, gave immeasurable service to the club. Hazel was a driving force in the Ladies Committee for many years, a passion she instilled in her daughters, Aisling and Syra, and which has also been carried forward by her daughters-in-law, Rosie and Ann.
Christy’s son Austin went on to serve as Club President himself in 2007/2008 and he remains a committed servant of Buccaneers RFC today, particularly in the area of facilities management. Another of Christy’s sons, Eoin, currently holds the office of President, ensuring the family’s leadership legacy continues. The next generation has already stepped up too, with Eoin’s son Corey proudly captaining Buccaneers RFC this season.
The Reid family’s contribution to our club is both exceptional and enduring, spanning generations and encompassing every aspect of club life—leadership, service, support, and passion for the game. Their influence extends beyond Buccaneers RFC, leaving a lasting mark on rugby throughout Connacht.
For all these reasons, we believe there could be no more fitting time, nor more deserving family, to be honoured in this way. The introduction of the Reid Trophy will stand as a lasting tribute to their dedication and as an inspiration to future generations of players, volunteers, and supporters."
Tickets are now on sale for the Bank of Ireland Reid Cup Final on Sun, 21st December. You can buy tickets here.
