Page 24 - Lansdowne Yearbook 2020-21 Master Digital Edition

MESSAGE FROM

LEINSTER PRESIDENT

John Walsh

As President of Leinster Rugby I am honoured
to have been invited to contribute to the
Lansdowne Yearbook for 2020/21 Season. On
behalf of all in Leinster Rugby we extend our
best wishes to the Club’s players, members and
supporters for a safe, healthy and enjoyable
rugby season.
It is often stated that we are a nation of story
tellers. The success story of Lansdowne FC is
well documented on the club’s website and of this is the legacy of Michael Dunne, a past
Wikipedia and it’s a rich legacy of success and captain and President of Lansdowne who was
achievement since it was established in 1872. capped for Ireland and the Lions. He also
The contribution that the Lansdowne Club served his club on the Leinster Executive
continue make is woven into the very fabric and was a strong supporter in promoting
of Irish Rugby. the game throughout the Leinster Province
with competitions such as the Inter County
The influence of those players who have Championship. The highly successful Michael
proudly worn the Black/Red/Yellow Jersey Dunne Cup is staged in his memory and my
is exemplified by their presence on two of club has been privileged to have won it on
the most memorable s national sporting seven occasions.
occasions.
This season also marks the centenary of
I was fortunate to be in Thomond Park on the remarkable sportsman Noel Purcell
the 31st October 1978. One of the most captaining Lansdowne. A gold medal winning
memorable rugby experiences that I have had Olympian he had a most distinguished
was when Munster became the first Irish side rugby career representing Ireland, Leinster
to defeat the All Blacks under the captaincy and the Barbarians as well as becoming an
of Donal Canniffe and with Moss Keane in International Referee and an Irish selector. His
the pack – both great servants to Lansdowne, story needs to be told as it’s an inspiring one
while another member of that pack was Donal for all who love sport.
Spring who would also play for Lansdowne.
I also want to acknowledge the community
Ireland had to wait 111 years to defeat the All spirit and generosity of the Lansdowne
Blacks and our first win was in Soldiers Field, members in supporting very worthy causes
Chicago with a 40-29 victory with Lansdowne such as Pieta House, The Peter McVerry Trust,
players Devin Toner, James Ryan and Jordi IRFU Charitable Trust and our Front-Line
Murphy featuring on that memorable and Workers during this C-19 Pandemic. Y OUR LEGAL P AR TNER IN SPOR T S LA W
historic occasion for Irish Rugby. Best of luck from Beauchamps to all Lansdowne FC teams for your upcoming season
I want to congratulate Colin Goode on his
A notable feature of the many members of appointment as the 113th Club President and
Lansdowne club is what they contribute to the to wish him and his management team the Contact: John White, Managing Partner
sport after their playing career has finished. very best in what are very difficult times for all +353 (0) 1 418600 | j.white@beauchamps.ie
Their contribution is not just to their club but sporting organisations.
also to Leinster and Ireland. A fine example
24 YEARBOOK 2020-2021