The night began with President Rush in power and ended with President Brunker in charge. One fine President handed over to another and the age-old tradition of Ballina RFC entered a bright new phase.
Outgoing President, John Rush, said it had been a great honour to lead the club for the past year and remarked that Ballina RFC was in a very good place despite all the challenges facing sport and our nation.
He thanked everyone in the club who worked so hard driving Ballina RFC onwards both on and off the pitch. He had a special word of thanks for Mrs Pauline Boland for all her assistance and said any club who can field 21 teams has a very bright future indeed.
"Anything I asked of anyone over the past year was done - no matter what. That's a great sign of a club."
John was succeeded by Dr Blaise Brunker who told the attendance of his deep pride.
"I came to Ballina 30 years ago and I was brought here to the club by Eugene Cawley. I immediately felt at home, but never in my wildest dreams did I imagine a day when I'd be asked to be President of the club.
"This is undoubtedly, the social highlight of my life and I'd like to thank everyone who made it possible.
"This is truly great club and tonight I'd like to talk about RFC.
R - There's a role for everyone here. Don't wait to be asked - step forward.
F - This is a Family club. There's a sense of family in everything we do. Sons, fathers and sometimes even grandfathers have played here, the Quinns, the O'Donnells, there's a new Morrow on the way to follow his father's footsteps and there's a two-year-old Brunker in Ballinasloe who can spin the ball better than his father did at that age.
C - Is for Covid. It arrived and has hurt people very badly. These are very difficult times and we must never lose sight of that. However, we will come through. This will pass.
Finally, remember, this is a game and it's fun. We will keep the fun in this great club and move forward together.
A minute's silence was held for all those who have lost their lives in the recent pandemic.