As the senior rugby players from Royal School Armagh made their final preparations this week ahead of their tour of Australia, one important final piece of business had to be attended to.
As part of their Tour fundraising effort the boys decided to raise funds for the charity CRY – Cardiac Risk in the Young. And before their departure the boys handed over a cheque for £1,800 to Ian McCall, father of their inspirational former captain John McCall.
On 27th March 2004, John McCall died on the pitch whilst captaining the Ireland Under 19 Rugby team against New Zealand during the World Cup in Durban. Eleven days earlier, John had led his teammates from Royal School Armagh to victory in the Schools Cup Final at Ravenhill.
Now, five years on, the next generation of rugby players from the Armagh School has not forgotten their late captain. Players from the touring squad took part in two days bag packing at Sainsbury's ion Armagh and raised £1,800 for CRY.
Said Royal School coach Kenny Hooks: "As part of the learning experiences associated with our tour we wanted the boys to help a charity alongside the fundraising events for the tour itself. And what better way than to help the charity Cardiac Risk in the Young which is indelibly linked with John McCall.
"John was an inspiration to young rugby players in Royal School Armagh and across Ulster and Ireland his loss is still keenly felt in school. Consequently, we are delighted to remember him in this way."
John McCall's father Ian, representing CRY said: "We are delighted with this fundraising work by the boys in the Royal School.
"I am immensely proud that John's old school is remembering him in this way. On behalf of CRY I am very honoured to accept this generous contribution and I am also pleased that a large number of the players are being screened ahead of the tour. I wish them every success in Australia."
It is estimated that twelve young people aged between 14 and 35 die each week across the UK from undiagnosed cardiac conditions. Many of these deaths are avoidable. The charity Cardiac Risk in the Young encourages all young people between the ages of 14 and 35 to bet screened.
Royal School Armagh leave on tour on Friday June 26. They play a total of five matches against Australian school and Club sides.
