New Practice Pitch in DC
Practice will be held in DC starting Tuesday, August 31 at Bundy field located at 5th and P st. N.W. Start time is 6:30 pm.
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New Practice Time
Practice will now start at 6:30 pm and will still be held at Jefferson-Houston Elementary, Alexandria, VA
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The Irish Are on Twitter
You can now track any training and match updates on Twitter. Follow "Irish_Rugby_DC" or search for "The Washington Irish". You can also get updates via text message without a Twitter account by texting "follow Irish_Rugby_DC" to 40404.
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Training Starts for the Irish
Tuesday, August 10, the Irish will be having a "Captian's Session" at 7pm at Washington and Lee HS, Arlington, VA.  Thursday, August 12, Coach will be conducting a Fitness Test at Washington and Lee HS at 7pm. This will be a mandatory session. Don't forget this Saturday, August 7th, Headfest kicks-off at noon. Bring your bathing suit and some food.
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The Washington Irish 2010 Casino night was an amazing success
Thank you all for attending. We hope you had a great time and we would specifically like to thank some of our many supporters for donating prizes to the event:  

The Crute family
John Andrews
Masa 14
Tonic Restaurant
Capital Restaurant Concepts
Holland Cox
Mad Hatter
Chris Hulton and the Pabst Brewing Company
Siroc
Solly's U St Tavern

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Washington Irish Casino Night
Save the Date- Saturday July 24, 2010 More details to follow
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Over under weekend Events, May 7-8, 2010
Friday, May 7, Irish Classics, please join us at Hobans Pub, Dupont Circle, at 7 pm to welcome the Washington Irish’s newest Classic Inductees: John Solomon and Pat Martell.

Saturday, May 8, Washington Irish annual Over 30 vs. Under 30 match, Saturday, May 8, 2010. I pm kick off. At Accokeek park

Post match party held at Solly’s Tavern 11th & U st. N.W., Washington, DC.
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Irish Fall to Brandywine 22-7

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Save the Date!
The Washington Irish will hold a whisky tasting at James Hoban's on Thursday, 29 April. The tasting will feature a comparison of Scotch whisky and Irish whiskey, hosted by John Bair of Neat Whiskies. Details on time, price, and of course the whiskies will follow soon!
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Training Cancelled Tonight 04/13/2010

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Norfolk Game Location Moved
The match on March 26th against Norfolk is moved to Accokeek Neighborhood Park (16100 Livingston Rd, Accokeek, MD 20607). Please make the appropriate adjustments and spread the word.
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False Alarm
Training will be held at Randall Recreation Center at 7pm on March 16th. Sorry for the confusion.
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Field Closed March 16th
Randall Recreation Center field is closed on March 16th. Training is moved to Meridian Hill Park in NW DC. We will meet at the bottom of the park at 16th St. and W St. at 7 pm. Bring running shoes and plenty of water.
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March 4th and 6th
The Irish will be holding training at Gunston Park on March 4th beginning at 7pm. On March 6th, there will be a team scrimmage on Hains Point beginning at 11am. Following the scrimmage Catholic University will kick-off against UMBC around 1:30pm. Festivities will continue at Solly's U Street Tavern around 5pm.
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Happy Hour On Friday
The Irish will be hosting a Happy Hour at Solly's U St. Tavern on Friday, February 26th, beginning around 5pm. There will be plenty of booze and fun. If you are free, I would suggest you stop by.
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TRAINING CANCELLED FEB 2ND AND 4TH
The track sessions scheduled for Feb 2nd and 4th are cancelled due to the snow. The Irish will be on the Washington and Lee High School track on Feb 9th. We will also be on the turf field at Gunston Park in Arlington, snow or shine, on Feb 11th. All trainings begin promptly at 7 pm.
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TRAINING CANCELLED FEB 2ND AND 4TH

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TRAINING CANCELLED FEB 2ND AND 4TH

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Irish Happy Hour Jan 29th
The Irish will host a Happy Hour on January 29th at Effin' Lounge on 9th St. between N and O St. NW. The fun begins at 5pm. There will be beerpong tournaments throughout the night, as well as a martini and manicure special, so bring your lady friends. The tournaments will consist of 8 teams of two with a $15 buy in. Beer is included for the tournament in your buy in. The winners will get a $25 gift card for Effin' Lounge. We will also be raffling off a few items (gift card to McFaddens, bottle of wine or vodka, etc). See you all there. Go Irish!!
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Bottoms up!
The first Washington Irish Whisky Tasting, held on Thursday 10 December at Solly's U St. Tavern, was a success, as guests sampled eight different whiskies, including an Irish single malt, a blended Scotch, and six single malt Scotches. Special thanks to those on the team who helped out, to host John Bair, and to the bar and its staff for making this event happen. Thanks also to all of you who turned out to enjoy some whisky and support the club - keep an eye out for news on further tastings next year!
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Christmas Party roundup
For those that couldn't make it to the Xmas Party you missed a hell of a time. We had roughly 85 people in attendance and managed to go through 4 bottles of tequilla (nicely done) and 4 bottles of Jameson. Apparently half the people in attendance managed to lose one thing or the other.

Your Fall Season Award Winners:
MVP: Chris Roark
Player's Player: Colby and Head (It was a dead tie)
Captain's Award: Rich Viera
Most Improved: Morgan Connelly

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WIRFC Whiskey Tasting
We are holding a whisky-tasting fundrasier at Solly's on Thursday, 10 December from 7pm-9pm. For anyone interested in whisky we have a great selection, so this will be a great opportunity not only to try some great and unusual whiskies but also to learn a lot about them. Tickets are $60, which is great value compared to other whisky tastings which run over $75.
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Details for Christmas Party on Friday, Dec 4th
It will take place at Tonic Restaurant on the corner or 21st and G st NW. View the invite
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Irish fall but qualify for play offs
The Irish took the field hoping to secure first place against a salty Potomac Athletic Club side. Unfortunately Irish lose 19 to 31 Irish finish 3rd overall in MARFU South and will advance to the playoffs in the Spring. For the Irish, the playoffs will be won in the offseason through hard work and dedication. Match Report
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Irish continue the streak against Suburbs
It's always sunny in Accokeek, or at least that's what the Irish were hoping this past Saturday. The Irish hosted Western Suburbs and needed to take five points from them to climb to the top of the MARFU ladder. The clouds parted and the sun was shining as the boys readied to receive the opening kick off. By the end of the day Irish eyes are smiling. Read the full match report of the 43-7 win.
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Irish go 3 and 1
The Washington Irish took the pitch in Accokeek, Maryland determined to come out with a win and a bonus point. There was a slight drizzle and chill in the air, but spirits were high. After pulling away at the start of the game the Irish allowed Gorge back in and ended up holding on for a 26-22 win. Full match report
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Irish Defeat Frederick
The Irish traveled to Frederick over the weekend and returned to Washington with another win under their belt. The Irish jumped out to an early lead and never looked back. While, Frederick began to mount a comeback in the final 15 minutes of the game the Irish managed to hold onto victory. Irish 20, Frederick 16. The Irish B-side put on another great showing and won big. Irish B's 56, Frederick B's 24. Irish eyes are smiling.
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NEW TRAINING LOCATION OCT 6TH
Training will be held at Park View Field in NW Washington DC starting Tuesday October 6th. The field is located off of Georgia Avenue a few blocks from the Georgia Ave-Petworth Metro Station. The exact address is 693 Otis Pl. Washington DC. Training will begin promptly at 7pm.
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Irish Over River. Irish Eyes Are Smiling.
The Irish traveled to Severn River over the weekend and came away with a victory. The final score was 27-22 in favor of the Irish. The score gives testament to how close the game was, as it took an Irish try with a minute remaining to grab the win. The Irish B-side put on a great showing and also emerged victorious. The final score was 38-5. The Irish will travel to Frederick on Oct. 3rd.
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Irish Fall to Lions 17-3
The Washington Irish lost to the Richmond Lions 17-3 over the weekend. A poor showing by the Irish allowed the Lions to control the game and emerge victorious. The Irish will attempt to regain momentum in a visit to Severn River on September 19th.
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Irish Vs Richmond Lions
The Irish will host the Richmond Lions at Hains Point on Saturday, August 12th. Kickoff is set for 1 pm with the social to immediately follow at Solly's U St. Tavern.
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Irish loose to Exiles 30-18
On a sunny, hot and extremely humid Saturday, the Washington Irish took the field against local Division one powerhouse, the Maryland Exiles. Play started at 1pm and it was agreed that there would be six twenty minute periods played in this pre season friendly Both sides tested each other out early. Alex Zeitchick had a nice slicing run and dish to lead the Irish Attack early on. Deep in MDX territory Tim Donavon drew a penalty due to his tireless work rate. Head Hansen took the Penalty kick, Irish up early 3-0. Read the rest of the report
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Irish Vs. Maryland Exiles at Hains Point
The Washington Irish will play the Maryland Exiles on Saturday, August 29nd, at 1pm on beautiful Hains Point. The listed address is 1100 Ohio Dr, Washington DC. Follow Ohio Dr. all the way to the end of the point, past the golf course. You can't miss the pitch on the left.
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Irish Defeat West Potomac 32-14
The Irish returned to Haines Point this past weekend, taking on West Potomac RFC in a rematch from last spring’s Beltway Battle Against Breast Cancer. The match kicked off at 1pm in oppressively humid conditions, and the Irish began sluggishly. However, the Irish managed to walk away with a victory. The Irish are set to visit the Maryland Exiles this Saturday. GO IRISH!!
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Irish Vs. West Potomac Match at Hains Point
The Washington Irish are set to play West Potomac RFC on Saturday, August 22nd, at 1pm on beautiful Hains Point. The listed address is 1100 Ohio Dr, Washington DC. Follow Ohio Dr. all the way to the end of the point, past the golf course. You can't miss the pitch on the left.
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Irish Defeat Quantico 40-0
The Washington Irish traveled to Quantico Virginia on Saturday, August 15th, to play the Quantico Hooligans in the now traditional Fall season kickoff match. The day began with a series of controlled set-pieces to allow each team to ease back into full contact opposition. This was followed by regular play sessions to give each team a proper friendly match. The match was surprisingly well organized and controlled for a season opening match. In the sweltering heat and sun of mid-August, the Irish dominated from start to finish, allowing the Hooligans only three set-pieces within the Irish half of the field. Go Irish!!!! Washington Irish:40 Quantico Hooligans: 0 Man of the Match: Mikle Mikowka
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AUGUST TRAINING INFORMATION
The Irish will be training at the VA Highlands fields in Pentagon City on August 11th, 18th, 25th and 27th. We will also be having track sessions at Washington and Lee High School on August 13th and 20th. Please consult the Practice page for the exact addresses of these locations.
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FALL 2009 TRAINING
Fall training begins on August 4th at 7pm on the Virginia Highlands Field in Pentagon City. The exact address is 1600 South Hayes Street Arlington, VA 22202. Training will be held every Tuesday and Thursday. Get there early and be kitted and ready to go at 7pm. Be prepared to train on a turf or grass field and proper rugby attire is expected (rugby jersey and shorts).
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Casino Night Announced
The annual fundraiser for WIRFC is slated for June 13th at the Katzen Arts Center at 7 PM. Similar to last year it will be a black tie affair, with plenty of food and open bar, great prizes and great entertainment. Head to The Casino Night Website for all the info and ticket purchase.
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Irish Fall in Playoffs
The Irish took it on the chin in the MARFU Semi finals, losing to Brandywine 34-3. It was a lopsided affair and the Irish did not play their best rugby. But the lads regrouped and took it out on Severn River the following day handing their Matrix rivals a 42-5 thrashing. In what was likely their final game Damian Maguire scored 3 tries, Luke Piepkorn scored one and Pat Fritz added another.
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Under 30s Pull a 'W' Out
This year's Over 30 vs Under 30 game was another huge success for the whole club. Friday night at the Happy Hour at Solly's U St Tavern the first three members of the WIRFC Classics were honored. They are Jerry Cave, Muzz Wilton-Jones, and Jim Merklinger. Their profiles will be posted soon on this website and their pictures will on the wall at Solly's. As for the game, the Under 30s pulled out a win by a little more than try. But, as always, the game was secondary to a great day for the entire WIRFC Nation.
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Virginia Gentlemen Have the Irish's Number Again
The Irish dropped their first match of the season in a game that was riddled with Irish penalties on both sides of the ball. The margin was a full 14 points and credit should be given to an up and coming VA side that held the Irish accountable for every mistake. The young Irish have a world of work ahead of them as they head into the Over 30 vs Under 30 game.
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First Spring Game at Haynes Point March 07, 2009
The Irish will look to continue their roll as they face an undefeated Viginia Rugby Club. The match will be at beautiful Haynes Point with temperatures that could reach the 70s. See ya out there!
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Irish Resume Practice
While we have had optional practice for the last 2 months the first official practice will be Jan 29th at Washington and Lee Track at 7:30 PM. Please see the calendar for further details. We have a lot of work to be done and have a very tough schedule.
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Irish A's Complete Perfect Season In Win Over Cross Town Rival
In a hard fought game that put the Irish through a brutal test, the Washington Irish prevailed by a 15 point margain. The game was much closer than the final tally, and the young Irish lads recognize that they have a long way to go in many areas if they want to make a strong showing in the spring playoffs. The B side was a litte less fotunate as they faced a stacked PAC 2nd side. They took this one on the chin but the boys should hold their heads high as they played tough the entire way and played with class.
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Irish A and B

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Irish A's escape Narrowly; B's roll
A late try by Pat Fritz put the Irish over a tough, scrappy Richmond team. The A's were marred by poor kicking and got away from their game plan. But a win is a win and they site alone atop MARFU South. The B side was highlighted by the gutsy play of Jamal Milani and an avalanche of tries. Congrats to all Irish!
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Irish Claim 2 More Wins Over Frederick
The Washington Irish Rugby Football Club for the second straight week won both A and B side matches in convincing fasion. The A side rolled 32-11 while the B side won by a few tries. Man of the Match was Dan O'Conner for the A side and Evan Gallagher claimed his second straight Man of the Match on the B Side. The Irish will bring their brand of rugby to Richmond for their next match against a young hungry Lions side. Stay tuned for directions and maps.
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Irish Eyes Smiling at Haines Point
In the first matrix match of the 2008 season the Irish pulled out a 4 point victory against a scrappy Severn River side. The Irish showed good composure by not letting the game get away, but will need to clean up their game going forward. Man of the Match was Luke Piepkorn. B side has a bit easier go of it and won convincingly. Man of the match was Evan Gallagher. It was also the first Irish match at Haines Point. Including players and supporters there were over 100 people on the Irish sideline. Thanks to all who came out!
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