The year was 1952 and the 65th final of the Leinster SCT Final saw the two teams take to the field. Castleknock College for their fifteenth time and also Terenure College for their debut in the final of the competition, led out on to the field by the captain, John O’Connor.
The final result of that match saw the Terenure College SCT of 1952, under the stewardship of John O Connor, win the game and a status of ‘school legend’ along with all those who graced the pitch that day as the first time winners of the Leinster Senior Cup Final trophy for Terenure College.
Along with the O’Connor family, both the Club and the school marked another milestone as John celebrated his 90th birthday surrounded by family and friends.
A huge thank you to the family for allowing us to share in the celebrations in Enniskerry and also a big thank you to Senior players Harrison Brewer and Stevie O’Neill for taking time out of their day to drop in and bring the AIL trophy and Bateman Cup out to show John and his best friend for over 80 years, Gay Byrne.
John was a Club selector as well as being on the Executive Committee in early ‘70’s. He was also one of only two sets of brothers to be elected as President of Terenure College RFC.
It was terrific to see John and Gay in great spirits and talking about their days in the school and the club. To see the strength of their common bond that was forged in their schooldays, in the classroom and on the pitch in Terenure College, a friendship that continued through their time in Terenure College RFC, a friendship that has lasted over 80 years.
Happy Birthday John!
