Armagh’s Band Of Brothers

When any team list gets posted in City of Armagh RFC it is always taken for granted that there may well be a few Mortons or Faloons selected, whatever the fixture.

It only became evident to the spectators in the Armagh clubhouse on opening the match programme for last week’s Ulster Bank League Division 2B clash with City of Derry that there would be no less than eleven of the said clans representing the club.

To be precise, ten brothers from no less than five families took to the pitch, while the Ulster and ex-Connacht flanker Willie Faloon was an assistant club coach on the touchline for the 19-16 win over table toppers Derry.

This degree of family commitment to a rugby club must be fairly unique in Ulster club rugby, if not, Ulster and Irish sport generally. Certainly, each and every one of the guys are exemplary club members and their commitment on the pitch is nothing short of outstanding.

City of Armagh RFC PRO Ken Redpath said: “Seldom a club fixture is played that at least one Morton or Faloon does not earn the right to be mentioned in dispatches.

“It is only when we hear of the problems being faced by clubs throughout the whole of Ireland due to the shortage of playing members do we realise just how extremely fortunate the City of Armagh RFC is!  A sincere thank you to the clansmen!”