WATCH | Rugby legend Derick Turner inducted into Longford Leader Sports Awards Hall of Fame

Longford rugby legend Derick Turner was inducted into the Hall of Fame at the 2022 Longford Leader Sports Star of the Year, in association with Longford Sports Partnership, at a gala awards ceremony in the Longford Arms Hotel.

Over an incredible 55 years, Derick has served as Longford RFC Club Captain, first team coach and Club President as well as holding various positions on the executive committee and he was a hugely popular winner of the Hall of Fame award.

Derick was presented with his award by Tom Allen, Manager North Midlands Credit Union Ltd, and in a fascinating interview with MC Tony Ghee, it was apparent for all to see and hear just why Longford rugby club’s presence in the heart of the community and county, is due to the great work and foresight of Derick Turner.

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In 1967 a young Derick Turner, along with a group of like-minded people, set about reforming Longford Rugby Club. There had been a history of rugby in the county going back to the 1800’s but it fell by the wayside during the war years.

In those early years the Club played on a field borrowed from a local farmer and players changed at the back of the Annaly Hotel, where a single cold shower and barrel of cold water were the only facilities enjoyed by the players.

Longford RFC have come a very long way, and while one person can never be credited with all that has happened throughout its development, Derick would be the first to acknowledge the help from so many people over the years.

However, there is no doubt that he has driven the development of the Club, both on and off the pitch over the past 55 years and continues to play an active role in day-to-day affairs as a member of the board and sitting on the development and fundraising committees.

Over the 55 years Derick has served as Club Captain, first team coach and Club President as well as holding various positions on the executive committee.

On the Club facilities front, Derick Turner has been involved in all major developments at the club in his 55-year involvement.

From the humble beginnings in the borrowed field mentioned above, the club now enjoys some of the best facilities of any sporting club in the country.

The club has their own grounds with two grass Prunty pitches, one of which is fully floodlit. There is a new state of the art 4G pitch, again, floodlit to televised match standard.

The clubhouse facilities boast separate men’s and women's dressing rooms, a functional gym, a dedicated youth centre and comfortable clubhouse bar including restaurant and conference facilities.

While a lot of people have come and gone since 1967, Derick Turner is, to this day, the one constant at Longford Rugby Club, be it driving development, encouraging players to join, fundraising, marking pitches, tidying up the grounds or whatever has been required.

Derick has always been to the forefront and shows no sign of letting up.

Longford Rugby Club is a great asset, not just to club members, but to the wider community

The club’s presence in the heart of the community and county, is due to the great work and foresight of Derick Turner.