This Saturday, the 11th annual game between AIB Rugby and De La Salle Palmerston FC, for the Brendan Brophy Trophy, will take place at Kirwan Park with Colin Cleary captaining the AIB team this season and Gavin Ross leading DLSP…
This is AIB Rugby Club’s 36th season and until 2003 was based at Fortfield Road in Terenure, currently playing at J4 level and using the excellent DCU facilities as their home grounds.
Brendan Brophy had been a stalwart member of AIB Rugby, having being one of their longest serving players and having served the club off the pitch to the highest standards on various committees.
No one played for AIB while he was involved without experiencing his welcoming smile at training or on a matchday, and he was regarded as a true ambassador of the game.
In his latter years, he also became involved with De La Salle Palmerston FC and made a considerable contribution to their club too, in particular by bringing the club’s matchday programme to a new level.
In recognition of Brendan’s service to both clubs, Tom Magner of AIB rugby and Stan Bolton of DLSP, decided to ensure that Brendan’s involvement with both clubs, was commemorated in fitting style, by arranging this annual fixture and providing the impressive trophy.
Since his passing, the affection and fond memories of him within both clubs, is clearly evident in the success of the fixture and by the very large crowd that turns up without fail each year. Uniquely, at last year’s game there was four generations of the Brophy family present.
At five wins to date for AIB Rugby and five wins for DLSP, the only question left to be answered is, will the coveted trophy “come home” to AIB Rugby for the 6th time or stay in Kilternan for another season, either way next Saturday, Brendan Brophy will be remembered fondly by his many friends who will gather for this match, a true reflection of what great affection he was held in by those who knew him.
Anyone who knew him is encouraged to come along and enjoy the day.
