Huge game for ’Stones
IT was all about the upcoming clash between Greystones and the mighty Garryowen in the Insurance Corporation League Division 1 in this week’s Wicklow and Bray People in 1993.
A big crowd was expected in Dr. Hickey Park that Sunday afternoon for the 2.30pm start in a game that Garryowen simply had to win if they were to have any hope of retaining their league crown. But they were facing a ’Stones side in fine fettle with five points secured from their first four outings.
‘Stones really need to win this game if they are to maintain the pressure on the three leading teams, Cork Constitution, St Mary’s College and Young
Munster,’ read the preview in that week’s paper.
Greystones performed admirably in their last game when they held Young Munster to a 3-3 draw in Greenfields. John Murphy and Nick Popplewell were outstanding that day.
‘Indeed, Murphy could be in line for an international recall after Ireland’s woeful display against the Scots in Murrayfield last Saturday. Popplewell was one of the few Irish players to shine in that game and the Gorey man is being touted as a contended for the British Lions touring team.
Young Stephen Sexton was in prime form for the Irish under-21 team in Edinburgh last weekend as they defeated their Scottish counterparts 18-3 to restore some pride for the Emerald Isle.
‘Sexton and Rory Vance have looked the part in the centre this season, their excellent running and tackling being chiefly responsible for the big improvements in the Greystones backline,’ it read.
There was one change announced on the Greystones team in the paper of that week with Reggie Corrigan said to be preferred to Roger Boyd in the second row.
The full team to face Garryowen were: Mick carney, Alan Keyes, Stephen Sexton, Rory Vance, Philip Quinn, Collie Dunne, Conor Heaney, Nick Popplewell, John Murphy (captain), Mark Phelan, Clive Woollam, Reggie Corrigan, Victor Megannety, Alan Dignam.
The following week, Greystones would stand up and be counted and defeat Garryowen by 24 to 15.