We were delighted and very proud to learn that the recent Leinster Rugby Referees Annual Awards Ceremony, our own Bryan O’Neill was awarded the Ham Lambert Lifetime Achievement Award.
Bryan has had a long and varied rugby career, playing for all teams from the 1sts down to the J5s between 1963 -1979 . Bryan played for the 1sts during the 1969/70 and 1971/72 seasons. He won a Moran cup medal 1965, a Metro cup medal in 1968 and a 3rd A league medal in 1971.
Educated in CBC Monkstown, Bryan was a referee member of the ARLB (Association of Referees of the Leinster Branch) from 1979-1992, during which time he was fortunate to referee in Argentina, Australia, New Zealand, Canada ,US and England. He was also selected to referee an International in 1986 -Ireland v Scotland Colleges.
He may have hung up his boots in 1992 but continued to be heavily involved in the ARLB, holding the positions of Honorary Treasurer 2016-18 and then President in 2018-19.
If you are interested in following in Bryan’s inspiring footsteps and becoming a referee, please contact us at rugby@lansdownerugby.com for further details.
Why become a referee?
- Stay with the game as an alternative to playing.
- Social – The social aspect of rugby is renowned. Refereeing is a great way to meet new people and make new friends.
- Fitness – It is a fantastic way to keep fit. The IRFU have the highest level of expertise in this area.
- Travel – The higher the level you reach as a referee, the more involvement you will have at European Competitions, Pro 14 League and the All Ireland League
- Referees ‘a club within a club’ who meet regularly for meetings. There’s a great team spirit.
- Ambition – could you referee an international match?
- Tickets – Referees are allowed to apply for international and provincial match tickets.
Bryan, congratulations on receiving the Ham Lambert award. It is well deserved. I very proud that we have represented not only Lansdowne in our refereeing careers but also CBC Monkstown.
Kevin,
great to hear from you and thanks for the kind comments. You changed your life in 1974 when you remained in Canada after that wonderful tour. I should have realised then that my playing days were coming to an end and that if I started refereeing in 1974 that the extra 5 years might have meant that I could have reached a higher standard that just a senior referee.
Take care
Bryan
Congratulations, Bryan , and well deserved!
Michael,
Many tanks for your kind comments
Congrats Bryan
They left out your huge contribution to Vets rugby worldwide!!
Keep on trucking my friend, Marcus
Marcus,
Many thanks for your kind comments
Well done Brian, you were always a ” dark horse”, you never hinted that you reffed so many matches. The honour is well deserved
Dermot,
Many thanks for your kind comments
Bryan many congratulations and a great honour
Ciaran,
Many thanks for your kind comments
Well done and congratulations to you, Bryan…delighted you received the Ham Lambert Lifetime Achievement Award…looking forward to all the celebratory dinners that must be held in your honour
including your huge input to Golden Oldies rugby. I hope your golf handicap is catching up. !!
Henry,
Good evening
Many thanks for your kind comments
I was extremely fortunate to join Lansdowne (not Bective where all my uncles played). I have made many friends and have had great experiences from playing and refereeing.
Regards
A more than well deserved honour and recognition
of an immense contribution to rugby in Leinster, Ireland and globally . Congratulations Brian and thank you for your service !
Joe,
Many thanks for your kind comments
Congratulations Bryan, very well deserved honour.
You have given great service to the game over many years, especially to Lansdowne.
Congratulations Brian and well done of receiving the award.
What a fantastic career both as a player and a referee. I have (btw) forgiven you for dropping me from the 3rd Bs all those years ago.
Delighted for you, hopefully see you at the next Treasurers outing.
Jim (gaffer)
Congratulations Bryan, a great acknowledgment for all your loyal commitment and achievements.
Well done.
Congrats on your recent honour…well deserved
Well done Bryan, richly deserved!