The Pillars Of CRC

I moved to Cookstown in 1986 but continued to play my rugby with Enniskillen. This meant that every match was an away game. I was surprised a town the size of Cookstown didn’t have a rugby team even with Dungannon and Rainey in close vicinity. I happened to express this view in a casual conversation with Andy Crawford, the then President of the Ulster Branch of the IRFU and uncle of my next door neighbour Jim Wilson. He challenged me to put a social team together for the upcoming Nelson Cup competition at Dungannon on Easter Monday 27th March 1989 and so it all began. I was amazed by the response and how easy it was to get a team out. After the competition I decided there was sufficient support for forming a permanent team and entering the league. When I say “forming a permanent team” what I really mean is getting enough good people (friends) involved who would do the hard work and help make it happen.

I knew that there was an old unused pitch out at Blue Circle Cement Works and as luck would have it, my neighbour Jim Wilson worked there and so was the perfect person to approach them for availability. Not only did he secure the pitch from then CEO Rab Ball (a rugby loving Scotsman who became the club’s first President), but also use of the Sports and Social Club run by Don McFarland providing changing, catering and bar facilities. We were off to a great start.

Next was the legal side and getting registered with the Ulster Branch, a task undertaken by friend and work colleague Ivan Connor. Ivan’s enthusiasm and attention to detail ensured we had no concerns in this regard and were properly entered in the league. Ivan took on the role of Match Secretary/ Treasurer and attended every game, often writing the match report.

We now needed players most of whom were recruited by fellow Enniskillen stalwart Ernie Beattie. When Ernie came knocking few refused and he was responsible for landing experienced players such as Robert Watson from Armagh, Ian Doyle of Ballymena, Derek Elkin from Omagh, Richie Smith and Dominic Humphreys, Dungannon as well as a number of young players new to the sport.

Players need coaching – and we were lucky enough to acquire the experience and skills of Jim Eastwood from Rainey Old Boys. Jim ensured the team was match fit and tactically aware in time for our opening matches. He was of particular help and support to the less experienced and younger players.

Our first Club Chairman came in the capable form and influence of Alistair Laird; formerly of Dungannon and Old Wesley. Alistair was not only well known in rugby circles, but he was also a friend of then Irish Coach Jimmy Davidson. It was thanks to his influence that the Irish Coach agreed to take our first training session at Cookstown High School.

The pieces were now all in place and thankfully, friend and part time sports photographer, Stanley Heron ensured that our early outings were captured on camera. Nearly all of the pictures used on this site are courtesy of Stanley. I even talked him into playing a couple of matches himself, something he still hasn’t forgiven me for.