HRFU

Fordingbridge RFC have announced the setting up of “The Tony O’Connell Founders Fund”.

Tony O’Connell (Rocky) was a stalwart member of Trojans during the 70’s and early 80’s before he moved to Fordingbridge where he founded their Rugby Club in 1984.

Rocky played well over 100 games for the 1^st XV, initially as a flanker and latterly as a prop. In 1977 he was made Clubman of the Year for all his sterling work off the field in arranging many social events, in particular the Annual Ball. He represented Hampshire in 1981.

Fordingbridge have made the following announcement -

Tony O’Connell, the much-loved president of Fordingbridge Rugby Club who died in February this year, is to be remembered by the club with the setting up of a memorial fund.    “This will be a fitting and lasting tribute to a great man” says Club Chairman John Mouland.   ~Tony’s name will forever be enshrined in the history of Fordingbridge Rugby Club, and so we have decided to give extra impetus to the raising of funds to ensure the future of the club which Tony loved so dearly”.

Mr Mouland explained that the setting up of the “Tony O’Connell Founders Fund will hold monies from various events and individuals and enable the club to develop the playing facilities, as well as the continued investment in our youth policy.  We have some very exciting plans for the future which Tony would have been proud of, and everything will be under the control of our management committee”

Tony O’Connell, a robust forward whose nickname was “Rocky”, had a distinguished playing career - representing Hampshire, Trojans and Ellingham & Ringwood – before he founded Fordingbridge with the late Brian Fuller back in 1983.  In the next 25 years the club went from strength to strength and in their anniversary season last year became the champions of Hampshire and won promotion to the London Leagues.

“Rocky” would indeed have been proud of Fordingbridge’s first season in London 3 South West , the club finishing fourth in the League only one point behind Ellingham & Ringwood and having beaten all the teams at least once home or away except the eventual champions, Gosport and Fareham.   Their points total of 25 would have given them third place last season and without doubt, along with Ellingham & Ringwood, they will be challenging for promotion next season.

Note:  Those wishing to contribute to the “Tony O’Connell Founders Fund” should send donations marked “Private & Confidential” for the attention of Mr Tony Stone, Treasurer, Fordingbridge RFC, c/o Nat West Bank, 27 Market Place, Romsey, Hants, SO51 8ZH

E-Mail  web@trojansrugby.co.uk or phone the Club on 023 8061 2400 (Bar) 023 8061 3068 (Admin)      

This page last updated:  01 December, 2011