There are trophies in Irish rugby that shine because of the silver they are made from. Others are polished by time – by the hands that lift them, chase them, lose them, and dream of them.
The Bateman Cup is very much the latter.
First contested in 1922, the Cup was donated by Dr. Godfrey Bateman in honour of his sons, Arthur and Reginald, both of whom were killed during the First World War. The inscription on the trophy captures the depth of that loss and the love behind its creation:
“Presented by Godfrey Bateman to the Irish Rugby Football Union in ever-fresh and loving memory of his darling sons:
Major Reginald John Godfrey Bateman, Canadian Infantry, killed in action 3 September 1918, Captain Arthur Cyril Bateman, who, on 28 March 1918 gave his life for his wounded Comrades.”
From this act of remembrance grew one of the great national competitions of early Irish club rugby – a knockout championship bringing together the winners of the four provincial senior cups.
A Tournament Born in a Different Era
In its early decades, the Bateman Cup became a highlight of the rugby calendar. Semi-finals and finals were played on consecutive days at Lansdowne Road, drawing crowds who revelled in the rare opportunity to watch the best clubs from all four provinces battle for national supremacy. The tournament produced fierce rivalries and unforgettable stories before eventually falling silent with the outbreak of the Second World War.
After a one-off revival in 1975, the Cup settled into its modern identity in 2011, once again contested by the provincial senior cup winners. Its return brought new energy – and a familiar pattern. Munster clubs quickly asserted dominance, with Cork Constitution and Garryowen leading the modern roll of honour.
Clontarf’s Unfinished Business
For Clontarf FC, the Bateman Cup has long been both inspiration and frustration. The club has never won the trophy, despite enjoying a golden era of AIL success over the past decade. The closest moment came in 2015, when ‘Tarf reached the final only to fall short against Cork Constitution.
In a club rich with Leinster Senior Cup triumphs, league titles, and international representation, the Bateman Cup remains the one major national honour that has yet to make its way into the Castle Avenue cabinet. And so, each season it reappears, the Cup becomes something more than silverware – it becomes a challenge, a motivation, and a reminder of the chapters still to be written.
2025: A New Opportunity at Castle Avenue
Now, the story cycles back again.
This Saturday, Clontarf welcomes Ballynahinch to Castle Avenue for the 2025 Bateman Cup Final – a chance to finally claim a trophy woven deep into the fabric of Irish rugby history. The Cup’s origins, its memorial significance, its provincial pride, and its national stature all converge once more on Clontarf’s doorstep.
It is an opportunity shaped by the past but entirely in the hands of the present.
The club’s relationship with the Bateman Cup is unfinished. And at 4pm on Saturday, the next chapter begins.
Pack the Avenue
Big days at Castle Avenue are at the heart of what makes Clontarf Rugby Football Club special – the noise, the colour, the community, the pride.
This weekend, the team needs that energy again.
Kick-off: Saturday, 4pm, Castle Avenue.
We hope to see a strong Clontarf crowd out to support the boys.
Who Are We!
The Castle Avenue Bull
A View From Castle Avenue - rugby opinions, nostalgic ramblings, and occasional wisdom, all brewed in northside air and served with Clontarf spirit.