Creggs RFC launch book to celebrate 50th anniversary
Dave Purcell, Declan Madden, Eric Elwood and Adrian Leddy, pictured at the launch of the book ‘Creggs RFC 50 Years’. Pic: Gerard O’Loughlin
Creggs RFC celebrated the launch of a new book commemorating its 50 years in existence along with a host of special guests on Saturday evening at its clubhouse.
Former Ireland international and Connacht Head Coach Eric Elwood was present on the night as was prop Denis Buckley, who was presented with a framed photo to commemorate the fact that he has now registered over 250 appearances for the province.
Creggs man and referee Stephen Gregory also received a special presentation from club President Dave Purcell for his successful refereeing career.
IRFU President Declan Madden and Connacht Rugby President Jimmy Staunton were also guests of honour on what was a proud night for Creggs RFC.
Adrian Leddy, who was Chairman of the 50th anniversary committee, was MC on the night.
After reaching a milestone of 50 years in existence, people who have passed away during that time were remembered with the late Frankie Pettit and Joe Daly mentioned by various speakers.
Mr. Madden congratulated Creggs’ own Su Carty for her continued work as part of World Rugby’s Executive Board before praising the facilities the club has to offer for the community and the wider region.
“I am taken aback by the quality of the facilities Creggs have here. There is no senior club in this country that has these facilities. Well done and congratulations.
“Books are about people. If you don’t have the people then you won’t achieve what this club had. If you don’t have people, you have nothing,” the IRFU President stated.
President of Connacht Rugby Jimmy Staunton believes the 566 page hardback publication will be a valuable commodity for years to come.
“You are dead right to document your 50 years. In another 25 years people will flick through it and remember the origins of the club. It is an achievement, and I hope the next 50 years sees the club achieve more,” he stated.
Eric Elwood, who now serves as Connacht Academy and Pathway Manager, expressed his delight at the club’s facilities.
With Creggs hosting the meeting of the Connacht Eagles and Leinster ‘A’ earlier in the day, Mr. Elwood was effusive in his praise of the facilities and the people involved with the club.
“This doesn’t happen my accident and the facilities need to be commended. When we are running our programmes in the province, and I am not crying victim, but it is extremely difficult to get a quality pitch with lights or a gymnasium to run our development performance programmes. When you have something like this it is an absolute joy,” Mr. Elwood stated.
Mr. Leddy thanked former Meath footballer Liam Hayes, founder of Hero Books for his support will praising book editor Pauline Scott for her hard work and due diligence and stated she had “burnt the midnight oil” throughout the process of putting the book together.
Ms. Scott thanked Sean Brandon for his support in this venture and the meticulous records he kept. The book editor proceeded to state that community remains at the heart of Creggs RFC.
“Rugby and fun remain at the heart of the club ever since 1974. The survival of the club during those years was by no means certain and it took a lot of hard work and determination to get the club from a band of young men organising a fun series of games to a club at the heart of club rugby in Connacht. The club is built on a half century of volunteer work.” After Ms. Scott’s speech, Club Secretary Sarah Best invited Club President Dave Purcell to present Denis Buckley with a framed photo to commemorate his milestone number of appearances with Connacht.
Mr. Buckley expressed his gratitude for the underage coaching he received in Creggs and the support of the local community both during his rugby career and in his life.
“It is not normal for a club to have facilities like this. URC (United Rugby Championship) clubs don’t have facilities like this. Congratulations on all the great work that has been done here.
“The impact that Creggs had on my life is huge. I don’t mean just in terms of playing rugby but as a youngster being part of a team, training and having fun. Having facilities like this now, the impact this will have on young boys and girls’ lives in the area will be huge. That is pretty cool.
“Thanks very much for this presentation and all the support you have given more over the last few years. Congratulations on the book launch, on the great facilities here and a great 50 years,” the Connacht prop told the packed crowd.
