Home News Sport Rugby club honours stalwart Eddie

Rugby club honours stalwart Eddie

Thursday, 05 February 2009

THE inaugural Eddie Melvin Perpetual Trophy contest took place last Friday week (January 23) under floodlights at Ashbrook between Coolmine Rugby Football Club’s Under 20s and Castleknock College’s senior cup side. This new competition was primarily set up to honour Eddie Melvin for all the work he has done over the years with both Coolmine RFC and Castleknock College. Eddie, who retired from teaching several years ago, still retains a coaching role in Castleknock where he is currently looking after the Under 14s. He successfully guided the 1983 senior squad to a cup final place that season. However, he is best remembered for keeping the fun side uppermost to the forefront despite the pressures of competitive rugby at college level. A former president of Coolmine RFC, he currently coaches the club’s 2nds who won their league last season, and are still topping the table in this campaign with three games to go, and are in a good position to retain their title. As well as honouring Eddie, this fixture also introduces college players to their local club, strengthens the ties between both and will hopefully encourage them to continue playing rugby with Coolmine when they finish college. With Castleknock’s first round tie against Terenure looming, it also served as a warm up against a quality side. The game itself was played in a good spirit. A score from Castleknock at the end of each half gave them a 10-0 victory. Unfortunately, Eddie had a previous engagement and could not make it on the night to present the winning trophy but he was well represented by his two sons, Eddie Jnr and Brian. The Melvin family has a long history with Coolmine. Eddie Jnr retired from senior rugby last year after captaining the 1sts during several seasons and Brian is currently playing back row at senior level. They both also attended Castleknock College. Speaking on behalf of Castleknock College, John Butler praised the facilities at the club and encouraged his own players to strongly consider choosing Coolmine RFC when moving on with their future rugby career. Coolmine RFC would like to wish Castleknock the best of luck for their upcoming fixture.