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The
legend that is Willie John McBride pictured in Birmingham earlier
this year. |
Each
month my esteemed colleague, AP Begley, will ensure that the sports
pages of The Harp are adorned with the latest news and opinions of
a host of modern Irish sporting legends, from the brute strength
of Roy Keane and Keith Wood, to the style and grace of Sonia O’Sullivan
and Tony McCoy.
One man who is yet to feature however, had all of those of those qualities
in abundance – no I’m not talking about Clinton Morrison,
I’m referring to Ireland’s greatest ever Rugby captain,
Willie John McBride.
A few months ago I had the honour of meeting Willie John during a Wooden
Spoon Society charity dinner at Villa Park (you can’t have it
all), where he was kind enough to sign a specially commissioned print,
featuring a caricature of himself during his days with the Lions.
Although in his 65th year, the man from Ballymena still cuts an imposing
figure, a 6’4” frame composed of teak and a handshake almost
crippling enough to ensure I spent a night in a hospital bed. Indeed,
during a 13-year international career which included a record 17 tests
for the Lions and 63 caps for Ireland (12 as Captain), it’s fair
to say one or two of his opponents probably did. This was after all,
the man who invented the ’99 call’ on tour in South Africa
in response to repeatedly biased refereeing - at the sound of the words
'ninety-nine', all 15 Lions would stop what they were doing and belt
the nearest Springbok!
Willie John’s signed print is currently making its way to Nenagh
in Co. Tipperary, or more accurately to Nenagh Ormond Rugby Football
Club. Some half a century ago, my grandad, Sean King was also famous
in a red shirt, his rampaging style for Nenagh Ormond earning him the
affectionate nickname of ‘the hawk’.
Although his playing days ended before Willie John’s began, grandad
was a great believer in Willie John’s 'get your retaliation in
first' policy, the opposing hooker often receiving a punishment ranging
from a bite on the ear to a cow pat in the face, depending on what
mood he was in - ah the good old days.
Grandad’s love of rugby, if not his considerable playing ability,
has been handed down the generations and my dad and I remain extremely
proud of the fact his name is still mentioned as being part of one
of Nenagh’s greatest ever teams, having reached the Munster Cup
final.
Although we visit our family home in Puckane every year, the journey
to Nenagh Ormond is something of a pilgrimage. Dad will present Willie
John’s print to the club as our own tribute to ‘the hawk’,
but also we hope that the Samsonesque image of Willie John will help
to inspire its players for many years to come.
Anyone who can drink that amount of alcohol, be surgically attached
to a pipe and still treat a Springbok pack like a set of juggling balls,
certainly inspires me.
Willie John’s appearance at the charity dinner was just one of
his many engagements as President of the Wooden Spoon Society’s
Ulster Committee. Although he will be slightly embarrassed at the praise,
this column’s primary contributor, Phil Pemble, also works tirelessly
for Wooden Spoon, raising thousands of pounds for disadvantaged children
in the West Midlands.
Over the years, Phil’s begging, stealing and borrowing has helped
so many good causes including the refurbishment of the Queen Elizabeth
Teenage Cancer Unit in Birmingham and the Tiny Tim Centre for children
with cerebral palsy in Coventry.
Many of these dreams could not have been realised without the continued
backing of Pertemps People Development Group (PPDG), where Phil is
PR Manager. The company’s primary function is to assist people
into work, but they are hugely committed to the regeneration and development
of all facets of our community, of which Phil plays a considerable
role.
Coincidentally PPDG also share a passion for Rugby, and so as they
embark upon their first pre-season friendly, I must wish the Pertemps
Bees the very best of luck for the forthcoming season.
Last season was a slightly disappointing affair for the Bees, so perhaps
they should be reminded of Willie John’s immortal words to his
Lions team mates in 1974: "There's no retreat. No more talk now.
Just make peace with yourselves.”
Failing that, just shout ‘99’ instead!
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