I
t’s probably the most emblematic and iconic logo in the world of sport in that it’s instantly recognised and respected by those with an awareness of how that world revolves.
It’s probably also fair to say that an All-Black Rugby team jacket made a first appearance ever at an event here in Castleisland last weekend.
The precious and prized jacked was accompanied to Castleisland and so carefully chaperoned by a family group to whom it has been entrusted.
During a chat on a soft rainy Saturday evening last, the New Zealand born, U.S.A resident artist Brett McGill-Goldstone and his son Henry told the impromptu gathering at the Castleisland Community Museum of two strong women who minded, moth-balled and prized the jacket down all the years since its honoured wearer died in Auckland, New Zealand on February 5th. 1936.
It was decided that the jacket worn by the great Castleisland man would be presented to the Munster Rugby Museum in Limerick and it may well make a brief return trip to Castleisland when and if a suitable occasion arises.
Who Was so Honoured?
Who then was so honoured to be deemed fit to wear such a distinguished icon of world sport.
He was, in fact, a Castleisland man by the name of Tim O’Connor and he was born in Kilcusnan, Castleisland reportedly in 1860.
I can tell you all this with greatest confidence as it was told to me by local aficionado and Munster Rugby official Maurice Walsh nearly a decade ago now when the first New Zealand / Ireland contact was made between himself and Timothy O’Connor’s great grandnephew, Peter O’Connor here in Castleisland in April 2015.
The following is from Maurice Walsh’s Research:
“No doubt, because of their knowledge of the game of Caid in Ireland and its similarity to rugby the young O’Connors were attracted to the local game and it seems that Timothy excelled at the game.
The following descriptions of Timothy and his career are from the All Blacks history:
Tim O’Connor was a large, heavy Irishman who was a member of the first New Zealand team ever selected in 1884. He had been prominent in Auckland rugby for some years before the team was chosen and was virtually an automatic selection, even though nomination rather than any trial form chose the team.
Timothy Beehane O’Connor
Rejoicing in the good Irish name of Timothy Beehane O’Connor and born at Kilcusnin Castleisland in the Emerald Isle, his date of birth is given as 1 January 1860, although for many years this was uncertain. What is certain is that by the time he was in his early 20s, there were few better rugby players anywhere in Auckland.
O’Connor had a number of notable firsts in his career. He was a member of the Auckland Combined Clubs side that met New South Wales in 1882, the first match ever played in this country by a touring team, and since Auckland won 7-0 it represented the first win by a New Zealand side over a touring team.
First Try against Canterbury
He was also part of the Auckland side that later administered an 18-4 defeat to the tourists, scoring a try.
In 1883, he was a member of the first Auckland Union representative team and scored the province’s first try against Canterbury, thus gaining Auckland’s first point – tries were only worth one point in those days.
A year later he was a member of the first New Zealand side ever fielded, against the Combined XV in Wellington before heading off to Australia. On tour he was kept busy, playing six of the eight matches. His bulk (at 14st, or 89kg, he and James Allen were the heaviest forwards in the side) and pace, surprising for such a big man, made him an invaluable tourist. He later led Auckland to victory over the 1888 British team, the first local skipper to enjoy success against these formidable tourists, having taken over the captaincy from the injured Bob Whiteside.
A Club Stalwart for Auckland
In the days before the Auckland union was formed, O’Connor represented the province’s Combined Clubs side in 1881 and 1882 from North Shore. By 1883 he was playing for the old Auckland club, where he was a stalwart until the end of the decade. However, Auckland folded in 1891 through lack of numbers, prompting the introduction of the District Scheme, and O’Connor played out his last few seasons in Ponsonby colours.
He made the last of his 19 Auckland appearances in 1892, giving him a record few early players could match. Six of his appearances had been against touring teams; Auckland had won three and drawn one of these games.
1893 Australasian Shot Put Title
O’Connor served for a few years on the Ponsonby committee before turning his attention to the now defunct city club – which had basically taken over the Auckland club’s area – and served as auditor to that body for many years. O’Connor’s strength made him a noted field athlete in his day, as he won the 1893 Australasian shot put title and three at national level (1891, 1892 and 1897), adding another Australasian title in the hammer throw in 1893. A publican at Auckland’s Victoria and Waverley Hotels who used his name to advertise his hotel in some of the early rugby publications “T B O’Connor – Proprietor – Captain Auckland Team that defeated England 1888; member first New Zealand team to tour Australia 1884′′. Tim O’Connor died at Auckland on 5 February 1936.”
Split the Bucket Draw
On the business end of the local club’s affairs, the weekly Split the Bucket draw was held at The Crown Bar on Saturday evening.
There, Elaine Lyons, Knockardtry had her envelope drawn by host Thomas Man for a win of €760. The draw moves up to Currow on the coming Saturday to McCarthy’s Supermarket.
How to Play Split the Bucket
Split the Bucket draw envelopes are available in shops and pubs throughout this and neighbouring parishes.
You simply put your €2 in the envelope, seal it and sign it and add your telephone number and pop it in the bucket or the club coloured, red and blue stands.
Play On-Line
A reminder that entries can also be made online if this is more convenient and you can do so with a click on the link here: https://www.lottoraiser.ie/CastleislandRFC/
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