Celebrating Old Saint Nick

In the frame…

ast night, it seemed as though all of Greystones’ great rugby giants were there.

Or maybe it’s just that these rugby giants are so feckin’ giant, it only takes two or three of the buggers to fill a room.

The occasion was a Lions Cap presentation to Nick Popplewell, and young Gavin Hastings did the honours. Having won 48 caps playing for his country between 1989 and 1998, along the way, Popplewell played club rugby for Greystones RFC and the Newcastle Falcons.

In among the cheering crowd, there was a host of Popplewells, of course, including Rachel, Sophie, Rebecca and Ben. Also there. hoping for a free beer or two, were Pierce Power, Victor Maganetty, Hugh Cahill, Spud Murphy and Johnny Murphy.

It’s clear too, that Popplewell has that crucial killer instinct when it comes to playing rugby at international level, famously stating whilst one of only two Irishmen on the Lions’ 1993 tour of New Zealand (where he played in all three tests), “People say I am a nice chap but, underneath it, I was ruthless“…

Naturally, Nick now works for Sherry FitzGerald.

Much fun was had by all at the Greystones Rugby Club last night. We think. GG wasn’t actually invited. Which is shocking.

Luckily for us, the far more huggable and agreeable John McGowan managed to slip in through the back door, and captured this celebratory night in all its glory… 

You can view the full gallery of John McGowan shots from the night in hi-res here, where you can also download your faves for free. Boom!