There is a nice little trophy tucked away in the middle of the annual players awards that every year goes to somebody in appreciation of their commitment to the club and a thank you for their volunteerism. The trophy simply comprises a rugby boot on a heavy base and has been awarded to some very deserving people in its' past.
This year, the award jointly goes to Under 18.5 team managers John Nolan and Guy Fagan.
This is in recognition of the unstinting and tireless effort they put into this group of boys over the past 5 years from Under 13s upwards. Through the famine years of u15 and u16 rugby, never saying no, always looking for the best path for this team so they can play their chosen sport. For getting their own sponsors, first aid, washing and keeping the match day jerseys (unbelievably the same set of jerseys for the past 4 seasons and only losing 1), for chasing registrations and transfers, looking after injuries, bargaining with officials, turning up three times weekly for training and matches. Ultimately for putting the interests of the players ahead of their own. I have no doubt that the boys will forever be positively influenced by John and Guy's contribution.
At the end of the day it is the squad of boys who benefitted from all this effort and they delivered in spades in their final year by winning both a league and a cup title. A fitting tribute and exit for these two gentlemen.
Well done John & Guy. If anyone epitomises the spirit of club volunteers it is both of you.
