Limerick native is new President of Munster Branch of IRFU

LIMERICK native Michael Carroll is the new President of the Munster Branch of the IRFU for the 2023/2024 season.

The outgoing President Ger McNamara thanked everyone for their help and support over the past season at the AGM of the Munster Branch held at Highfield RFC on Thursday night last.

McNamara then proposed Michael Carroll, of Highfield RFC, as the new President of the Munster Branch for next season.

Michael, a native of Kilmallock, Co Limerick, first picked up the oval ball when he attended St Munchin’s College. He then played for Garryowen before he moved to Cork for work which is where he began playing for Highfield.

“I won a cup medal there the first year Munchin’s won the cup,” Carroll said.

“I was a member of that team in 1968. That would have been a big occasion for the college. They’ve won a few more since then but we were on the first team. I came to Cork in 1971 and I joined Highfield and I’ve been with them ever since.”

In addition to winning St Munchin’s first Munster Schools Boys Senior Cup title, Michael won a Munster Junior Cup with Garryowen before he joined Highfield where he captained the club during the late 1970s and early 1980s which also included a Junior Cup title with the Cork club in 1972.

Off the pitch, Michael was President of Highfield for the 1997/98 season and from 2005 he was the club delegate to the Munster branch.

“At that stage Der Healy had moved up to the IRFU and subsequently he became president of the IRFU. And I was asked would I be the delegate.

“That was back in 2005 which was when I started in the Branch. I have been Highfield’s delegate to the Munster Branch since then.”

Michael says he’s looking forward to next season already, with a URC title defence campaign on the horizon and another busy year of domestic rugby.

“I’m looking forward to representing Munster whenever I’m required and also hopefully to retain the URC which was a fantastic achievement in the last few weeks.

“I’d also like to see a vibrant domestic game and completion of all the domestic competitions. I would have an interest in the club scene over the years with all of the involvement I have had in the domestic game.”

With the Men’s team winning the URC and the Women’s team retaining their Interprovincial crown, Michael believes there’s a lot to be excited about next season.

“There’s a lot happening in Munster. The Women’s team were keeping the flag flying with their back-to-back Interprovincial titles. That’s all positive from a Munster point of view.”

Now retired, Michael’s focus has been on his roles in rugby and he is also a passionate Limerick hurling supporter.

“My interests at the moment are Munster Rugby and dare I say it, Limerick hurling! I’ve had a very enjoyable last five or six years here in Cork!”

Michael is married to Jean and has one daughter, Alison, who he says have been a big support to him over the years.

“They have been a great support to me over the last number of years that I have been involved with Munster Rugby which I have found invaluable.”