DB CONvSTO URC Digital Match Programme

CLUB & COMMUNITY
Henry O’Toole of Connemara RFC
was inaugurated as this year’s IRFU
Boots Award winner at a function
last Friday, 10th May at the Station
House Hotel in Clifden.
When the legendary Willie John
McBride retired from playing rugby
in 1980, one of the last matches he
played in was against Arklow RFC.
After the game, instead of hanging
up his boots, he presented his
famous footwear to the Arklow club
as a memento of the occasion.
In memory of Willie John’s
outstanding contribution to Irish
Rugby, and in particular to Junior
Rugby, it was decided to honour “Mr.
Boots” by presenting an annual award
to a person who, in the opinion of the
adjudicators, has rendered long and
outstanding service to Junior Rugby
in Ireland. A silver badge suitably
inscribed, is presented to each year’s
winner at a dinner.
Dick Smyth of Thomond was the very
first recipient in 1981. Forty more
have followed in the footsteps of
Dick Smyth, and Henry O’Toole of
Connemara RFC is a most worthy
successor.
The Boots Award recognises Henry’s
contribution and work in coaching
and playing for Connemara RFC,
playing for Corinthians and playing
for Connacht in the 1980s and early
1990s. He was a speedy full back,
and played in a Final Irish trial in late
1980s. Henry has also coached the
Connacht Juniors.
In 1985 at Lansdowne Road Connacht
beat Leinster for the first time since
1955 and Henry (who was a goal
kicker in those days) scored all of
Connacht’s nine points. The following
season, he was in the Connacht side
that defeated Munster in Thomond
Park- Connacht’s first ever victory
at the ground. Henry returned to his
home club of Connemara RFC in the
early 1990s and has played, coached
and has volunteered at all levels
since then.
Congratulations to Henry on
receiving this prestigious award – he
has given extraordinary service not
just to Connemara RFC, but also
to both Connacht and Irish Rugby.
Henry follows in a line of great
Connacht winners such as Paddy
Beatty (Our Lady’s Boys Club), Frank
Petit (Creggs RFC), Padraic McGann
(Monivea RFC), John Carr (Tuam
RFC), Padraic Concarr (Monivea
RFC), Adrian Leddy (Creggs RFC),
Mick Grealish (Our Lady’s Boys Club)
and John Martin (ARCB/University
of Galway). It’s an illustrious club,
some with us and others no longer,
and it is an honour fully deserving of
Henry’s contribution to the game.
The national Boots Award Committee
consists of Padraic McGann, Ross
Workman and John West.