PICTURES | Longford stalwart Derick Turner recognised as a champion of Irish club rugby

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Friday last marked a very special occasion in the history of Longford Rugby Club as perhaps its most dedicated ever member, Derick Turner, was awarded the prestigious “Mr. Boots” award by the IRFU.

The Mr. Boots Award is the highest accolade that can be bestowed on a Club Member in Ireland and anyone who knows Derick will agree there is no more fitting a recipient. READ MORE BELOW PHOTO

To set the scene, Derick has been on what in sport is termed “momentum” in relation to this year’s Awards season!

In November he was recognised locally as this years Hall of Fame entrant at the Longford Sports Star of the Year Awards. This was followed up in January with regional recognition from a Leinster perspective when he received the Leinster Rugby “Sean O’Brien” Award for outstanding contribution to the game across the province. Now Derick has completed his own “Triple Crown” with full national recognition via the IRFU in receiving the “Mr. Boots”!

Over 150 honoured guests attended the Rugby Club last Friday night to celebrate Derick’s latest achievement. In what was a beautiful evening, the Rugby Club never looked better as it glistened in the sunshine and welcomed those lucky to be in attendance.

Old teammates reunited, familiar faces from clubs across the country reacquainted and friends of LRFC were all together as proceedings got underway.

Tony Headon was Master of Ceremonies for the evening and carried out the role with great skill.

Club President, Donagh McDonnell was invited to the stage and on behalf of LRFC welcomed those in attendance, including the many dignitaries from across Irish Rugby.

This was followed by an address from Billy Murphy, the newly appointed President of Leinster Rugby.

In what was a very fitting tribute to Derick’s tireless contribution to the game for over 50 years, it was testament to Derick’s reputation across the game that such kind words were expressed, in person, by such a high ranking position in the game.

Next up to pay tribute was Longford’s very own, Pat Fitzgerald. Not only is Pat the former President of the IRFU and indeed past winner himself of the Mr. Boots Award (2011), he is also one of Derick’s very best and lifelong friends. It was fitting that he paid his own tribute to Derick’s work over the years and the part it has played to develop the game not only across Longford but the Midlands, the province of Leinster and indeed the full country.

Pat regaled the room with fantastic tales of the old days when they together were involved in the early development and growth of the Club.

Then the central part of proceedings took place when Padraic McGann (Mr. Boots Chairman, Monivea RFC) asked Derick to join him on stage to fit his Green Jacket and present the Mr. Boots award.

To rousing applause, Derick made his way to the podium and made a brilliant acceptance speech. A concise history of his journey was shared, from leading the reformation the club in 1967 to all the ups and downs in between.

Special mention was made to his brother, Warren and Paddy Quinn who were both in attendance and were also central to making Longford Rugby Club the community centrepiece that it is today.

There were two final formalities however and to Derick’s surprise he was called back on stage one last time. This time it was to receive a framed Caricature commissioned by the Executive Committee of LRFC which brilliantly captured not only the man himself but also included many anecdotes that represented Derick’s everyday commitment to Longford Rugby Club.

Finally, with Gerry Carthy in control the backdrop transitioned to a hilarious image of Derick in James Bond pose with the caption “Never say Never to Turner” with reference to his tireless coordinating of volunteers across the Rugby Club.

To the James Bond theme the formalities came to a conclusion and one of Longford’s most dedicated and pioneering sports volunteers was deservedly applauded with a final standing ovation.

Special mention must be made to Andrew Reynolds and the entire team at the Sin Bin who delivered a superb overall event – from room layout and decoration to the quality of the meal itself, it was a tremendous effort which was complimented on by all in attendance.

Also, to the Event Committee who coordinated what was a very complex occasion to deliver as smoothly as it was.

The night continued into the early hours in true Rugby Club fashion. There were great stories retold and many made their first hearing to the delight of those in attendance.

Songs were sung and glasses raised in celebration of an astonishing contribution to the game over so many years by Derick.

It’s important to remember however, that he isn’t finished yet and there are as many “initiatives” under way as ever under Derick’s relentless drive.

And remember – “Never say Never to Turner”...!