OBITUARY: Clanwilliam stalwart remembered with festival of rugby at St Ailbe's

The late Johnny Lonergan, who passed away on February 18, was remembered at his home club, Clanwilliam RFC, on Friday March 30, with the inaugural Johnny Lonergan Festival of Rugby.

Johnny was involved with Clan since childhood. He played at underage level and then went on to coach at underage level.

Over the years Johnny served the club as Committee Member, Secretary, Vice President and President.

He was a true stalwart of Clanwilliam FC, and such was his enthusiasm for rugby, that in his role as a teacher in St Ailbe’s, he always encouraged students interested in rugby to play on the school teams, with many also lining out for Clan over the years.

Johnny was a Life Member and a true loyal supporter of Clanwilliam FC, so it was entirely appropriate that he would be remembered in such a fashion.

Johnny who was a teacher in St Ailbe’s School, played a massive part in bringing so many children through the gates.

In Clanwilliam, and there was no better way to remember him than with a pitch full with young people playing rugby.

Over 300 pupils from schools in Tipperary travelled to Clanwilliam on a lovely Spring morning for the festival of rugby. The boys and girls who represented their schools did so with great enthusiasm and with great respect for the memory of Johnny.

It was a wonderful way to remember Johnny, and it was appropriate that Johnny’s sister Mary Donovan, who is Principal of the Monastery School, was on hand to present the Johnny Lonergan Memorial Trophy to the winning school, Bansha National School.

Well done to all the club volunteers who helped out on the day and especially to Ivor Wilkinson, who organised this festival of rugby for the club.

Thank you also to the Transition Year students from The Abbey School Tipperary for helping out also. It was very much appreciated.

No doubt but that Johnny’s wife Caroline, son Darragh, daughter Niamh and the Lonergan family, are delighted with this tribute to a man whose passion for rugby and for Clanwilliam never waned even during his short illness.

Johnny is remembered fondly by his family and his friends and by his extended family in Clanwilliam FC, and this festival of rugby is a fitting tribute to one of Clan’s greatest stalwarts.