Carlow's achievement in winning promotion to Division One reflects splendidly on this great old club. It has taken Carlow just four years to reach first division status. Carlow, Ballynahinch, Midleton, Thomond, Barnhall, Naas, Banbridge, Richmond, Suttonians, Clonakilty and Connemara are all now senior clubs. And what a splendid achievement by the Bruff Club in winning the AllIreland under-20 title, beating, as they did Lansdowne, Harlequins and UCC in the knockout stages. Rugby in rural Ireland is alive and very well.
Senior status is no longer a divine right.
It has to be earned and then maintained and that is as it should be.