Book about Cill Dara RFC recognised at Listowel Writer's Week

Cill Dara RFC is proud to announce that the book From Paddock to Park: Cill Dara RFC 1976–2024, written by Mario Corrigan, was last night awarded Second Place in the Nilsson Prize for Local Heritage at this year’s Listowel Writers’ Week.

This prestigious national award recognises the best work of local heritage or history published in Ireland in the past year and is generously sponsored by Michael and Sue Nilsson.

The book, which celebrates nearly five decades of Cill Dara Rugby Football Club, was officially launched on November 22nd in the Silken Thomas by RTE broadcaster and former Cill Dara player Ray D’Arcy, alongside Sarah Delaney, Irish Women’s Rugby International and Cill Dara’s own.

The story of Cill Dara RFC is more than just a history of matches won or grounds built—it is a living testament to community spirit, resilience, and ambition. A story that deserved to be told.

Award sponsor, Sue Nilsson paid particular attention to the beautiful layout of the book.

Commenting on the wonderful news, Ger Conway, Chairman of the Cill Dara RFC History Book Committee, said, “I want to congratulate Mario on this well-deserved recognition. His passion, dedication, and deep sense of community shine through every page of From Paddock to Park. This book is not just a history—it’s a legacy. The book committee is incredibly proud of Mario and thankful for the work he’s done to capture the spirit of Cill Dara RFC for generations to come.”

Commenting on the award the author of From Paddock to Park Mario Corrigan remarked, “When you win an award you are of course going to be ecstatic, but when it is from the Listowel Writer’s Festival, for a history of a rugby club in Kildare it is indeed a very special moment. The book is a stunning publication and owes its success to Ger Conway and the Book Committee, the Executive and the members of Cill Dara for all the work pulling together the archives and the memories. The club history captures the resilience of a small number of friends and team-mates who would not give up and laid the groundwork for a state-of-the-art facility which was born in the mucky paddocks of the Irish National Stud. The award is a testament to their resolve.”

The award was not Mario’s first taste of success at Listowel Writers’ Week. He was previously part of a three-man team alongside James Durney and Joseph Connelly that won the inaugural Nilsson Heritage Award in 2013 for their
book Hearth and Home: A History of Social Housing in Kildare Town 1889–2009.

Additionally, Mario authored a children’s book with illustrator David Butler, Listowel: The Writer’s Revenge, inspired by his school workshops in North Kerry during the 2013 Writers’ Week.

Regarding his second success at Writer’s Week, Mario said, “Listowel has been lucky for me and has given me the belief that, with a little hard work and vision, you can make your dreams come true.”

Mario is currently working on several other writing projects.

Cill Dara RFC extends its warmest congratulations to Mario Corrigan on this outstanding achievement.

Cill Dara RFC

Founded in 1976, Cill Dara RFC has become a cornerstone of rugby in the North Midlands and across Leinster.

In 2024, the club proudly marked two major milestones—21 years at its home in Beechpark and 20 years of Women’s Rugby, evidence of the club’s enduring growth and commitment to development at all levels.

From its grassroots to representative honours, Cill Dara’s players and members have worn the jersey with pride across Club, North Midlands, Leinster, and Irish teams. A strong focus on youth has always been at the heart of the club, nurturing the next generation through its thriving minis, youths, and women’s programmes.

With state-of-the-art facilities that rival any in Leinster, Beechpark has hosted everything from Irish national team training sessions to Provincial Towns' Cup Finals. It is home not only to a Leinster League Division 1B side, but also to the PortDara Women’s amalgamation and the ever-energetic Foxes.