Munster Express Online

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Despite the difficult economic times Waterpark Rugby Club held their annual corporate fundraising night at Dooleys Hotel Waterford last Friday.

Some famous international rugby legends were there, including Kerryman Mick Galwey, the former Munster forward. He enjoyed the banter of guest speaker, Martin Bayfield, the England forward of the early-nineties who won 31 England Caps between 1991 and 1996, winning two Grand Slams and playing in the 1995 World Cup. In 1993, he was selected to represent the British Lions in New Zealand and played in all three Tests, and in 1995 he was voted RFU Player of the Year.

However, a serious neck injury in 1998 prematurely ended his playing career. A popular after-dinner speaker, he regaled his Waterford audience with lots of yarns. His gift of the gab had the crowd in stitches.

Martin recalled his visits to Dublin for international games. Though the visitors didn’t always win, they were assured of a warm welcome and usually a good evening afterwards.

They often stayed in the Killiney Castle Hotel, where sometimes they were cajoled into the bar before the game – and whenever the hospitality was too good, this, he felt, was all part of the locals’ plan!

Martin, who played with Northampton, is a Hendon-trained policeman. Sometimes the English players were not as solid a team as was made out, and a few stars like Will Carling were not as popular as others, he revealed, sometimes coming out the worst in a training ground melee.

He especially remembered some rough games in South Africa and recalled even being sent off himself in one hard-fought game.

Martin remembers some Irish greats of the past like Willie John McBride of Ulster and Gorey native Nick Poppelwell (ex-Newtown School), and they had some great craic together.

Ireland’s most capped referee, Dave McHugh – veteran of 29 test appearances, numerous other internationals and two European finals – spoke about the difficulties involved in managing players in heated matches and particularly keeping order among the forwards. There was some good banter with Messrs Gallwey and Bayfield and Martin Bayfield on this point.

Dave now trains and coaches referees for the IRFU. He reckons that Irish refereeing has never been stronger and is gaining strength in international reputation.

Earlier, the President of Waterpark Rugby Club, Martin Tritschler, noted they were hard times in the city with the difficulties at the local Crystal plant and the global economic situation.

Waterford Crystal were great sponsors of sport in the city and also of Waterpark RFC, and there was a hope that the situation would improve there, he added.

Indeed, there was a somewhat sombre mood at the event, given the dramatic turn of events in the city that afternoon.

Waterpark has enjoyed great success in juvenile rugby in the past year and those achievements earned a major round of applause when mentioned by the President.

Also, in the All Ireland league some valuable points had been garnered that day and hopefully more would follow.

Tom Grace, auctioneer, ran a recession auction and raised some funds for the club.