The late Tommy Whelan was a Member of Bective Rangers FC and upon its formation he joined Old Belvedere. He then donated the Whelan Trophy as a mark of his friendships in both Clubs…
In the past this was a 1st XV fixture played on St. Stephen’s Day, but as times (and rugby players!) changed and AIB League took precedence in Club rugby, matches between the two clubs the became more sporadic.
However, last year the Trophy took on a new life when it was agreed that it be contested at underage level and in its second outing the fixture lost none of its vibrancy, as both teams went at it from the off with great gusto.
This year the match was played in Anglesea Road on Thursday 30th April. Before the match began there was a minute’s silence as a mark of respect in memory of Jack, the grandson of Tommy who died just over two weeks earlier in a tragic road accident.
The match itself was won by Bective Rangers in convincing style 27-10.
