Former Rugby Greats Honoured
Last month, on the 30th of September, UCC was delighted to honour former rugby internationals that have also lined out for UCC. This honouring took place at a special dinner hosted by UCC Rugby president, Olann Kelleher, in Devere Hall.UCC has an excellent tradition of success in Irish rugby, from the 1950s and British & Irish Lions player Mick Lane, who was capped 17 times for Ireland, right up to more recent heroes like Ronan O Gara.Overall, 22 former internationals and alumni were present at the event, from all across the world; Dominic Crotty and Pat Parfrey flew home from Wisconsin in the United States and Newfoundland in Canada respectively for the event. They were joined by former locks Jerry Holland and Mick Leahy, as well as British & Irish Lions Tom Kiernan, Donal Lenihan, and Paul Wallace. Kiernan, known as the Grey Fox, is also well-known for his success as a coach, managing Munster to its historic victory over the 1978 All-Blacks, a team who would go otherwise undefeated in their tour of Europe.This event, which was held heading into the 2016/17 Champions Cup tournament, and the Autumn Internationals, further strengthens UCC’s tradition of success on the rugby field.