The club River Rangers was founded in 1971 on the Kilkenny/Tipperary border between the parishes of Kilmanagh and Ballingarry.
There was a strong representation from both sides of the border joining together to make this great club. This year the club will celebrate over 50 years in existence, a very proud milestone for the men in black and blue.
See also: Sunday League Football, there is no place like it.
River Rangers have consistently fielded teams year in, year out – a feat certainly worth recognizing. The removal of the GAA’s Rule 27, meaning anyone associated with ‘imported’ games would be suspended from the GAA, contributed to River Ranger’s success with many players past and present playing both soccer and hurling.
Come join River Rangers this Saturday night in our 50th Celebration Night in Kytelers Inn at 9pm. A night of celebration, chats, look back on old teams pictures and much more. Admission €5.00 @KilkennyDSL pic.twitter.com/R76E2DZbZj
— River Rangers Afc (@river_rangers) November 24, 2022
See also: “History of soccer in Kilkenny & District 1893-2020”
In the mid-80s, River Rangers, who up until then, had their home ground on the banks of the Munster River on the Kilkenny side of the Tipperary border, re-located to the ‘Paircin’ in Kilmanagh, owned by the Ryan Family. The ‘Paircin’ would be the home of River Rangers until 2018, at which point the club established a new base in Clonard, Ballycallan.
The club grounds in Clonard currently boast two pitches, one of which is flood-lit, with further improvements planned in the coming months. The club currently fields two adult teams along with four under-age teams and with some great young players coming up the ranks, it is safe to say the future looks bright for the next 50 years of River Rangers.
River Rangers 50th Year Celebration Event will take place Saturday the 26th of November in Kytelers Inn, Kilkenny at 9 pm. Tickets are available for 5 euros from Ryan’s Pub Kilmanagh, The Pound Ballycallan, and O’Connor’s Shop Kilmanagh.
They look forward to welcoming players and supporters, both past and present on what promises to be a great night.