Recent Internationals Celebration
St Mary's College RFC
Recent Internationals Celebration
Sunday 14th March 2010
The silver sparkle of the floodlights spread a glittering aura around the area, as cars and taxis pulled up at Templeville, delivering sons or daughters or parents or customers, to enjoy and witness a marvellous Marys' night. Marie, Tony and others had worked hard to ensure the place was sparkling for it; and President Niall Rynne had spent endless hours organising, planning and preparing for it. Now it had arrived, the night to honour Kieran Lewis, Shane Jennings, Kevin Mc Laughlin and Jonathan Sexton and they too arrived with their families so then it could all commence.
These are our latest international players and as is our tradition, going back to our first internationals, Sean Lynch, John Moloney and Denis Hickie Snr, they receive a reception and have their photos hung on the Wall of Fame in the club. They and their families, firstly, and briefly, relaxed in the Centenary Bar with the President & Officers before entering the main bar and reception hall.
Meanwhile in the main bar the excitement was bubbling, with a terrific turn out; this was an unprecedented melange of youth, manhood, maturity, girls, boys, men and women, Irish, British, French, new Zealand, American, all happy, all heaving, waiting, wanting their heroes to arrive. The bar personnel were busy, and from then until midnight discreet, polite and decorous young ladies were gliding between the masses, offering delicious hors d'oeuvres, amuse-gueules, cocktail sausages etc. Rynner had done a super job of enticing the attendance, there to be seen were Marys' internationals of previous times, such as popular Dr Tom Feighery, with Monica his wife, the inimitable Rodney O'Donnell, Denis Hickie Jr with his dad Tony and Declan Fanning. Peter Smyth, who with Steven Hennessy has been enormously influential in the development of the players, was there with Gillian and Brent Pope, (without Hookie), and who had of course played an important part in the developing careers of Kieran and Shane was also present. There also was the executive committee, most of the senior squad, with Captain Hugh Hogan, and many prominent Marys men. There was a vet's team from France who loved it all, a ladies' team from USA who were enthralled and many more. It was nice to have some of the parents of our victorious U21 Squad with us on the evening too, like, the Hudson family, the O'Neill (Nelly) family John and Louise Crotty, and then of course our club patron Fr. Flavin and Fr Redmond
Ronnie Mc Brien then called for silence and the president led in the four players and their families to
great applause. Niall explained the importance to the club of the
celebration, he thanked all those involved and made special mention of
the revered Matt Gilsenan (in attendance), who has been club archivist,
among many other roles, for well over 50 years and how Matt ensured
that each photo of our internationals fitted exact standards. The
president then gave a little piece that was informative, amusing and
interesting about each player, as he addressed him. The warmth,
sincerity and rapport with the players and the audience showed up the
big events such as Oscars as hollow shams. He is a consummate
communicator and we stood rapt as he introduced, firstly Kieran,
telling of his great prowess as a schoolboy rugby player and athlete,
being an Irish sprint double champion, and of his time at Marys and
beyond and of his musical ability on the guitar. Kieran who was
obviously deeply moved, made clear his happiest times were at
Templeville Road and one of his happiest ever days was this one; he
then, under Ronnie's guidance, hung his picture to warm applause.
Shane
and Niall have a natural friendship that showed and Niall remembered
young Shane coming up to the club with his dad, Sean (who looked on
proudly) as a schoolboy when he, Rynner, was playing, he also
remembered Shane's renowned captaincy of St Mary's College and his
starring rugby career and wished him many more years of international
success. Shane spoke of how important the club was to him and he said
he hoped that some day in the future he would play again for the club
even if it were only on the J6s with Kieran, who had likewise professed
himself keen to return sometime. He had little difficulty hanging his
picture, nor the crowd cheering. Then Rynner explained that, although Kevin
had only joined the club this year, we were truly proud of him and took
great joy from his performances for Leinster and Ireland.
Niall told
of the many injuries Kevin had to battle through and that he had almost
given up when he got things right, a good run and next thing he was
tops at Leinster and was deservedly capped for Ireland. Kevin also
said how he would love to play for Marys and how he is determined so to
do, even if it is for that J6 team. Rynner said how happy he would be
to play on that same J6 team. Kevin also plays the guitar so all are
hoping for a recital from Kieran and him some evening. He said how he
admired St Marys' rugby and the social life there, particularly the
Ladies Day, which he had previously attended. (Watch out for him on 27th
March!) He had no difficulty reaching up to hang his picture. Kevin
may be new but he made a most favourable impression on everyone there.
Jonno, as he is to all at Marys, was affectionately welcomed by Rynner and everyone present and Rynner sketched Jonathan's marvellous career to date, including his introduction to the Heineken cup, when he came on cold to kick a mighty penalty straight away. Many of Jonno's previous St Marys' team mates including his brothers Mark and Gerry, were there to cheer him and he mentioned his having played AIL only last last season and how important it was to keep him sharp when not playing professionally; he also thanked all at the club for the help on the way. He enjoyed hanging his picture to loud applause.
Michael Corcoran
of RTE Sport was then invited by Rynner to interview the four lads.
Rynner pointed out that Michael, a member of the club, was always
willing to help and he thanked him. An amusing and good-humoured
interaction between Michael and each of the players, individually and
collectively, followed to acclamation of the audience.
UNDER 21's
One more duty remained for Rynner, to introduce the exceptionally talented Under 21 team that had won the most coveted J P Fanagan Cup
for the first time, under the coaching of Conor Mc Phillips and Hugh
Hogan, with Dermot Ferris as Manager, earlier and the most endearing
Joe (Banana) Fanagan was there, in person, to present the cup to Tommy
Meredith (Hooker and Captain).
So Niall gave a warm tribute to Tommy as an exceptional leader and player and to the team pointing out its bravery and skills and indicating that some of the team who were there present some day may be hanging their own pictures. Indeed those from the team already showing their potential, include Jack Mc Grath, Darren Hudson, Ray Crotty, Steve Toal-Lennon, Ian O'Neill, Robbie Field, Sean Preston and others. Joe then, while presenting the cup, gave a very interesting speech recalling cup wins of yore and how much they all mean to the club, then Tommy, with a fine mature response told of his team's joy of winning the cup and their hopes for the future.
Now it was time for all to relax and mingle and enjoy the camaraderie and fun. These lads were really enjoying their evening and signed dozens of autographs, were filmed with almost everyone there, with natural patience and generosity. Shane spent a long time chatting to long-term fan and friend Glenn Treacy and posed with him for photos, while Steve and Eileen clicked away.
Rynner even had music organised, and it then struck up, and the hum of happiness grew and soon there were willing participants with Richie Mc Donnell being particularly appreciated and Peter Dennehy was seen waiting in the wings. The night went on and soon the morning went on with great happiness.
These nights only seldom happen and they gouge out memories that never go; they are the ingredients that make rugby, the clubs and the membership, special. Only here, could a young ladies' team from USA, a veterans' team from France and a mix of local rugby supporters conjoin and integrate totally in celebration. And this particular one will never be forgotten by those present and particularly by our latest internationals, their families and also our president who can feel especially proud to have been the catalyst and conductor. Well done to all, roll on the next generation.
D O'Brien
For a full set of photos (Thanks to Liam Byrne) please click on:
