The Irish Connection
We published this photo on our front page for a special reason relating to two of the persons shown in the photo. We asked if you can identify who is in it, when and where was it taken, and what is the special significance of publishing it at this time (15th May 2013) .
Jeff Baker was spot on in recognizing that this was the Police Rugby Team from the 1970-1971 season which happened to be John Williams’ last year in Police blue. Jeff correctly identified everyone with the possible exception of the player between Pete Counsell and Raj Rennie who he believes may be Paul Thompson (can anyone else assist?).
Jeff also noted that the day we published this photo on the same day as the Memorial Service for Tommy Gallagher held at Holy Trinity Cathedral in Hamilton which was attended by many of his old friends from both Bermuda and abroad. Sadly, Johnny Williams had passed away last year, but two of the players in the photo played a key role in the Service. Billy Butterworth was invited by Helen Gallagher to give a eulogy, and Pat O’Riorden kept a promise made to Tommy who had requested that his fellow Irishman sing Jerusalem at his funeral. Pat sang with the same gusto that he and Tommy played rugby for the Police Team during those magic years.
