Rugby – Noel Turley Memorial Trophy 2021

We congratulate Gus McCarthy (6th Year) and his senior squad on this victory over an excellent St. Michael’s side in the Belfield Bowl last Saturday morning, 13th November.

For the first time, this fixture was a fundraiser for SPIRASI, the Spiritan Unit that works with asylum seekers in Ireland. It is a noble cause deserving of a high quality contest and so it was. The match lived up to expectations providing Rugby of the highest quality, tough and uncompromising with no quarter asked or given. It was also played with sportsmanship and mutual respect.

We thank our Transition Year students, 10 from each school, Mr Madden, Mr O’Shea, Mr Doolan (chaplain St. Michael’s) Robert Brophy and Stephen Taylor, Presidents of the ‘Rock and ‘Michael’s Unions respectively, Conor Smyth (St. Michael’s, class of 1981) and Principal Tim Kelleher for their organisation of a fantastic event.

We also acknowledge our lead sponsor KPMG. Finally, we thank Catherine Turley, Noel Turley’s widow, who was on hand to present the trophy, the support of UCD Rugby Club and Mr John Sherwin for providing the live streaming.

It was a great morning of celebration for the extended Spiritan family.