Eustace and ‘Flower’ Tallon star for the Wolfhounds
LAST weekend will be long remembered at Delvin Rugby Club.
They celebrated the opening of their 40th season with the launch of their book commemorating and chronicling the clubs history in great detail, and with a splendid match between the Irish Wolfhounds and the Irish Under-21’s.
A number of events were held over the weekend also and on Saturday the youths were catered for with a coaching session conducted by former Irish coach Jimmy Davidson and for Irish international and British Lions player Fergus Slattery.
Despite all of the other major sporting attractions in tne area there was an attendance of over 1,000 for the game which exceeded the club’s expectation.
Another feature which delighted the club members was the performance of their two players on the Wolfhounds side who were not overawed in exalted company - Club Captain Ron Eustace at prop and Gerry ‘Flower’ Tallon at wing forward.
The match itself delighted the crowd with the protagonists also having to overcome the very warm conditions.
The encounter produced nine tries in a 38 pts to 22 pts scoreline to the under-21 side.
Biggest cheer of the day went up for David Beggy’s marvellous effort when he showed his pace and balance to cross for a Wolfhounds score.
The match was followed by a reception in the Neptune Hotel where great tributes were paid to the club’s committee under the direction of President Philip Richardson for their efforts in undertaking and achieving such a mammoth task to celebrate the occasion.
And the persistance and pursuance of Jim Walker during his term of President to chase up the club’s history and put it in it written form which was launched on Sunday and a very fine book is now available and can be obtained from club members.
Finally, the weekend came to a close with much reminiscing from those who showed up from far away places to be present for the occasion.
People like Eddie Cox who was the first captain of the Club all those years ago, the Smyths, the Hendersons, Declan Flynn, now President of Ashbourne, the ladies who were members of the hockey club, now extinct and Brian Little who travelled from London, plus many more who had a thoroughly enjoyable get together.