My Club: Marian Water Polo

John Rohan is an executive officer of the Irish Water Polo Association's Leinster branch

John Rohan is an executive officer of the Irish Water Polo Association's Leinster branch. He is a former junior international and current club secretary at Marian.

Founded in 1966 as a swimming club in Marian College, Ballsbridge, it evolved into a water polo club during the 1970s. Originally drawing its members from pupils and former pupils, the club now includes players from throughout Dublin.

Membership: With the foundation of the women's section last year and a vibrant under-age section, the membership currently stands at around 60 - the most we've had since our formation.

Status: The men's first team has always played in the National League Division One and the women's team are moving up to Division One this year. We have boys' teams playing at under-14 and under-19 level, as well as a second team.

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Honours: The club has won six Irish Senior Cups and four National League titles. The school contested 16 consecutive Leinster schools' finals between 1967 and 1982, winning all but one. The club has also had numerous internationals at all levels over the years.

Finest Hour: There have been many down through the years but recently we've taken great pride in providing our first women's international, Sarah Keane.

Worst Moment: Some years have been better than others, of course. This year the passing of Brother Philip Conaty was a sad moment for all members, past and present.

Club Hero: Brother Conaty was a driving force behind our success in the early years and was also highly respected outside the club in Irish water polo. It takes about six of us to continue the pace he set for the club.

Greatest Rivals: Since water polo is a relatively small sport here, I think all the teams we play at all levels are considered rivals. There's also the common threat to all clubs of funding, pool time and competition from other sports.

Ian O'Riordan

Ian O'Riordan

Ian O'Riordan is an Irish Times sports journalist writing on athletics