Last night, Heffernan Park witnessed the culmination of a dream. Like all great stories it began with a 'once upon a time' and told the tale of a sub at U10 blitz who grew up to become an Irish senior international.
The final chapters won't be written for many years yet, but last night David Heffernan stood in the Ballina RFC clubhouse and presented the club with his first international jersey. It was indeed the culmination of a dream for many.

John Raftery set the scene brilliantly when he spoke about David's first tentative days as an U10 at a blitz in Sligo and took the large attendance through days of Mini fun, Youth excitement, Cuman na mBunscol adventures, Community Games finals, a promising GAA career, Leinster Senior Cup joy, broken bones, Connacht glory and a love of Ballina.

Martin Boland then took to the floor and stated that David was a role-model for everyone in the entire community. "David has shown us all that if you go after your dream; if you work hard and dedicate yourself to your goal, then anything is possible and you will be rewarded."

Both Martin and John were highly complimentary of the contribution made by the Heffernan family to the local sporting community over the generations and stated that everyone at Ballina RFC was proud to host such a special celebration.

The clubhouse was packed with proud faces from early evening with past players and officials such as Frank McElwee, Sean Calleary, Padraig Cahill and David's proud grandfather Seamus Barrett in attendance.

Indeed, David's two grandfathers, Seamus Barrett and Ivan Heffernan snr (RIP) both wore the Connacht jersey into battle and their conquests were recalled by many last night. Seamus was also delighted to win a county championship with Crossmolina Deel Rovers in 1948 and cherishes that medal to this day.

David grandmother, Kay Heffernan, was also present to witness the special occasion and the contribution both she and her late husband, Ivan, made to Ballina RFC over the years was remarked on by all who spent time in her presence.

Among the other family members present were David's parents Ivan and Susan, his sister, Anna; uncles Niall and Peter; aunt, Orla; cousins, Zara, Naoise, Donal, Maria and Odette and many more.

David himself took to the floor to present his Irish jersey to the club and took time to thank Ballina RFC for hosting the event. "Tonight means a lot to me and my family. The support I have received here over the years has been special."
He went on to thank everyone in Ballina Stephenites who guided him to great success in his mid-teens.
He thanked all his coaches who worked so tirelessly with him over the years and saved a special word for his family who have supported him every step of the way and followed his progress 'all over the world.'

The celebrations went on long into the evening as old friends rekindled memories and new friendships were forged.

Also present in the large attendance were former Ballina RFC stalwart and current Connacht Rugby CEO Willie Ruane and current Leinster and Irish player Fergus McFadden.
Fergus' father Tim was also present and recalled the fact that he lined out on Heffernan Park the day it was officially opened in 1978.

Last night was indeed a very special occasion in the history of Ballina RFC and as Martin Boland stated - David Heffernan is a role model to all and anything is possible when one follows their dream.

(Our picture shows David with his parents Ivan and Susan and sister, Anna as they arrived at Heffernan Park for the celebrations)