Golden Oldies Claim Murphy Cup victory

May 27th, 2009

SWORDS Rugby Club, who grew out of the old the Aer Lingus Rugby Club, recently took part in a very special game to remember an Aer Lingus trainee pilot who died in a tragic accident 20 years ago. The Murphy Cup was first played in 1991 to honour the life of Micheal Murphy, who passed away in Florida while training to be a pilot for Aer Lingus. Michael was just 24 when he met his untimely death.

In his memory, his family put up the Murphy Cup to be played for annually between Suttonians RFC (where he was a member) and Aer Lingus RFC (now Swords RFC). Originally a first team fixture for both clubs, it is now played for between the two sides' 'Golden Oldies', or over-35s, so as to maintain the link with people who knew and played with Michael. Suttonians would be slightly ahead in terms of the number of victories over the years, but this year it was Swords who ran out victors by 41 points to 21 in an entertaining game played in Sutton.

 Three players who featured last Saturday (Shay Collins and Ken Nuzum for Swords and Gordon Linehan from Suttonians) have played in this fixture on all 18 occasions and none of the three show any signs of stopping anytime soon.

The Murphy family have always been strong supporters of this fixture and John Murphy, accompanied by sons Martin and Colm, and grandson Jack, presented the cup with his usual grace, skill and good humour to Niall Kennedy on behalf of Swords, after the game. 'Swords RFC are aware of the poignancy of the date and hope by continuing to play the fixture, we bring some solace to the family on this landmark occasion,' Swords' Dave Cahill added.