Heartbreak at loss of nation’s ‘bravest’ rugby hero Neville (49)
THERE was widespread sadness in County Wexford and in rugby circles across the country last week following the untimely death of Neville Furlong aged 49 - a rugby player described as one of Ireland’s bravest for his heroics in New Zealand in 1992, where he scored a try, while injured - during a gruelling test match against the All Blacks.
Neville died in Milford Hospice in County Limerick on Tuesday after a courageous, lengthy battle with cancer. He is survived by wife Trish; sons Ódran and Kyle; mother Collette; brothers Damien, Ronan and Kenan; sister Leah; extended family and a wide circle of friends.
He was predeceased by his father Ronan and sister Rhonda. His late father Ronan was a regional manager with Bank of Ireland based in Wexford town and was well-known throughout the county.
Late of Island View, Stradbally, Castleconnell, Limerick, Neville’s grandfather Jim was a guard in New Ross while his late father Ronan was also born in the town. The family lived at Michael Street and Charlton Hill in New Ross and the Furlong family still have a lot of relations in the New Ross area. Neville grew up in Ferrybank, Wexford. He attended St Peter’s College where his sporting prowess quickly became apparent. He was educated in St. Peter’s College, played football with Shelmaliers, going on to play for Wexford minor and under-21 football teams. He forged his rugby passion at Wexford Wanderers rugby club, starting to focus on the sport during his days at UCG, playing with the Irish Students and Universities, Connacht and Ireland ‘A’.
Neville went on to become an army captain based in Sarsfields Barracks, Limerick.
Neville was the last Irish player to score a four point try. He played on two occasions for Ireland, before injury cut short his career, gaining both caps on the tour to New Zealand in 1992, scoring one try in what was his first test match on June 6, 1992. Having scored the last try valued at four points rugby changed its scoring system later in 1992.
The tour to New Zealand saw Ireland travel south with a depleted squad taking on the then semi-professional All Blacks, coming within a finger tip of a marvellous victory in that opening test. The Wexford man was defensively heroic that day and shipped a serious injury in the process. While the Irish were left shell-shocked in the test given the ferocity of the All Blacks side, Furlong stood up to the challenge.
A tall, strong wing, his contribution has appeared in print but his trademark challenge to one of the world’s greatest wingers at the time, John Kirwan, has gone down in memory. ‘Give me the ball’ he told his teammates, ‘and I’ll score.’ He did, scoring a consolation try after being taunted by John Kirwan for most of the afternoon. He delivered the perfect rebuttal: ‘You’re supposed to be the best in the world but you couldn’t even tackle a cripple.’
Having scored his try in that second test match, Ireland almost shocked the hosts losing out 24-21, and in that game Neville lined out despite carrying an injury.
Furlong served the Garryowen Limerick rugby club with distinction as a player, helping them to an All Ireland League title in 1995, and later as a coach and an administrator, while also being one of the club’s leading lights in the promotion of underage rugby. He never lost touch with his Wexford roots, often returning with his family to visit with his mother Collette and relations in the county.
A large crowd attended Neville’s funeral Mass at St. Joseph’s Church, Castleconnell, on Thursday and his burial afterwards in St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Castleconnell.
May he rest in peace.