James (JB) Sweeney

Today, St Mary’s College RFC, has suffered a deeply painful loss, JB Sweeney has just died. JB was a part of our very existence; he stood like our very star that depicts us and inspires our players and members of all ages. He was synonymous with the club and all that is good about it. When the pain eventually eases his memory shall inspire many future Marys’ generations. His love of his club and club rugby was exemplified only yesterday, when with his sons, Robert and Richard in St Vincent’s Hospital, they watched a recording of the match (one he would have particularly revelled in as a player) and when he heard the other results, he was very surprised at Ballynahinch beating Lansdowne. When they were leaving five hours later, he murmured “I can’t believe Ballynahinch beat Lansdowne”.

Early Days

In 1967 JB joined St Mary’s College RFC, having played for a short time with Greystones RFC; and prior to that at school in CUS, Leeson Street. It was an instant love and they were wedded for life.

It was clear from the start that JB was different. He had a direct honesty and openness about him that was reassuring and this, linked to his indomitable spirit and fearless tenacity on the field, all made him an instant winner and leader. In team sports it is vital to have implicit trust in teammates. With JB one knew he would go through plagues, flames or floods for his team, never flinching. As a second row forward, he may have lacked a little in stature and bulk, but if he did, he made up for that in multiples with remarkable work rate, adamantine tenacity and technique. And if opposing forwards had doubts, these were to their cost.

JB was straight away welded into the senior squad. He partnered the great Lion, Sean Lynch in the second row during the season, 1967-68. He formed a remarkable playing and social solidarity with Sean Lynch and the two remained the closest friends for life. The following season 1968-69, with Sean as captain, (playing tighthead prop) and with a number of stars, including, the peerless Johnny Moloney proved to be an astral season, JB played a major part in delivering for the club, the second ever Leinster Senior Cup (LSC), then the prime trophy in Leinster and probably Irish rugby.

JB continued his ascent, once more being on the LSC winning team in 1971, he was rewarded by being elected club captain for the season 1971-72. This was certainly the pinnacle of his rugby career, when he was capped for Leinster and led his team to victory in the inaugural Leinster Senior League (LSL). That year, 1972, also saw the JB Roche Cup won. This trophy was played for, between the Munster League and Leinster League winners; in this case, Cork Constitution and St Marys; so a memorable year for JB.

He continued to be a vital part of the first fifteen for almost another decade. The LSC was again won in 1974 and 1975. The LSL was again captured in 1978 and 1979 and the prestigious All-Ireland Centenary Cup was won in 1975, when Tom Grace’s try saw off Garryowen’s penalty.

Life after playing

His stature within the club and wider socially grew and he engendered immense respect and affection, for he epitomised that same honesty and fearlessness he showed on the field, in life. He was the most considerate and helpful person and a special concern and kindness towards those in need or weakened situations. He loved nature and dogs. He also loved life and living it.

He had a happy disposition and was the most gregarious of men. He was outstanding company. The early days of his club life, coincided with a time of most enjoyable and active sociability, and JB led the way. He and Sean et al. enjoyed every moment of existence. However, he never forgot his duties to his family and his entrepreneurism as he carved a highly successful business life. A feisty JB sat on the executive committee during 1973 and 1974. When he gave up playing, he stayed involved in club matters, while running his highly successful business and rearing two sons with his wife Joyce. He had a strong affinity to Army life and remained intimately involved for many years with the army reserve (FCA), where he carved a most successful career becoming a Company Commander.

In 1989 JB was appointed president of his adored club and here he was exceptional. His engaging, friendly and open demeanour endeared him to all and his leadership qualities ensured a highly successful tenure. During his presidency, he had an artesian well drilled at the club which proved to be potable, extremely productive and has since proven to be of most significant financial benefit. It will ever be JB’s Well.

At the start of the 2000s JB faced a vital battle. He had never shirked one and even though this was for his health and his life; he dug in, deeper than his well, with typical Sweeney sanguinity saw it through. In 2010 the club turned to JB to become a trustee of the club. This was a wonderful and deserved honour and there are no safer hands into which to place the club’s fortunes. He, and the club, have since thrived. He, and his highly regarded fellow trustees, Liam Birkett, Brendan Spring and Brian (Spike) Fanning and later Peter Smyth and Eoin Quinn, made a capable, close and formidable team to ensure the club remains in vibrant health. In the season 2020, JB was deservedly awarded the most sought-after honour the club can bestow, Life Honorary Membership along with a very special close friend Frank Kennedy and with Brian Fanning.

Heritage

Two of JB’s brothers, John and Cathal, played for the club, Cathal, sadly now deceased, also captained the club.

He did not selfishly retain the talent all for himself, his two commendable sons, Robert (Chops) and Richard (Chips), were schoolboy stars at St Marys College and for the Irish Schools’ team. Robert was part of the St Mary’s College senior team (SCT) that won the Leinster Senior Schools’ Cup in 2002. They both also won international honours at Under 19, U 20 and U 21 levels, Richard being part of a grand-slam winning team in 2006-07. They, likewise, were Irish Club Internationals. Both later, starred with the club and both were club captains, like their revered father. Robert played professionally for some time, both were stars on the 2012 AIL winning team, Richard being MoM. Robert is a successful businessman and Richard, who qualified as a physiotherapist, continued his studies and is a qualified doctor and is a consultant anaesthetist. They spent the greater part of their childhood playing around the club every weekend as mini rugby players. Now JB leaves grandchildren, who will no doubt someday, follow their grandfather’s tracks through St Mary’s College RFC and life.

JB added an almost indefinable quality of “St Marys-ism”. Since he joined the club that day in 1967, JB has been a beacon of spirit and loyalty. He has contributed marvellously to every facet of club life; and has set standards in all of these.

President Stephen Shirley, his committee and all the membership and friends of St. Mary’s College RFC profoundly mourn JB’s loss to his family, friends and club. All will remember him always with immense pride.

D. O’Brien