As supporters will be aware, Kurt McQuilkin returned to his homeland of New Zealand for family reasons in September.

Unfortunately, in the circumstances supporters did not get the opportunity to say good-bye. Given what Kurt has given to the province as both a player and coach over the years, the OLSC wanted to present an engraved Dublin Crystal piece as a token of thanks.

Thankfully the crystal safely arrived in New Zealand by courier. Kurt sent this short note to the OLSC that we wanted to share.

Dear members of the OLSC ,

Thank you so much for the Dublin Crystal that was recently sent to me in New Zealand. It’s a very handsome piece of glassware and it has taken pride of place in my lounge at our house in Taupo.

 
The inscription of ‘Thanks for the memories’ also describes my feelings towards the players and supporters that I have encountered over the years both as a player and later on , during my two stints as a coach with the province.
After the shocking news of Anthony Foley’s untimely death in Paris , I know the wider Irish rugby community will come together as one to both mourn and remember the great legacy that ‘Axel’ has left behind. After experiencing that generosity and goodwill recently myself , it just reinforces to me that rugby not only create’s great athlete’s but also great people.

That to me sets rugby apart from any other sport.

I will always follow Leinster with a passion and wish the team and their great bunch of supporters all the very best for the future.

 
Yours in rugby
Kurt McQuilkin

Thank you again Kurt for everything, if you are ever back in Dublin don’t forget to visit the RDS on match day!