Congratulations to Old Wesley RFC’s Dave Bursey who has been named the April Evening Herald Volunteer of the Month…
Dave left Wesley College in 1987 and in the same year joined Old Wesley RFC and is currently in his 23rd active season with the club. In representative terms he has played for the Leinster Under-19, Ireland Under-21 and Leinster Senior teams.
Prior to this season (his 19th in the AIL), Dave has played in practically every other season of the AIL, which must indeed be a record, from winning the 2nd division in the first season (1990/91) to playing throughout the three divisions. While his appearances were sporadic and off the bench in the last few seasons he nevertheless played a major starting role when the chips were down, in a vital relegation victory over Waterpark at the end of last season.
Dave was Club Captain in season 2000/01 and in order to widen his experience, he spent a number of summers playing rugby in Australia during which he made one appearance at no. 8 on the ACT (now known as the Brumbies) 1st team playing on that occasion with such stars as George Gregan and Joe Roff – as an aside he also met his wife Jodie during this stint in Australia!
This season he is coaching the J1’s as well as taking a place on the bench from where he is sprung at some stage of every game. Dave has also been heavily involved in the rapid development of Mini Rugby over the past decade on Sunday mornings and this has coincided with the introduction of his sons Matthew and Zak to the game. Indeed, Dave has led many an overseas trip at this level.
In his spare time Dave is coaching the Kings Hospital Under-13 and Under-16 teams. This no doubt results from the fact that his daughter Mickaela is a pupil there!
With this major involvement in coaching it is no surprise that Dave is a qualified Mini and level 1 coach and is currently working towards his level 2 qualification. During the current season Dave celebrated his 40th birthday appropriately at the clubhouse in Donnybrook at which, in lieu of presents, a significant collection was made for charity – another indication of his commitment to others.
As Old Wesley nominates Dave Bursey (affectionately known to all and sundry as Burse) as the Evening Herald Volunteer of the Month, they believe two favoured involvements in the club, dear to his heart, totally epitomises the rugby career and nature of the man; the annual over 35’s match against Naas in memory of the late great Stephen Mooney and the 37-36 victory over the Barbarians in Centenary Season (1991/92).
