The England versus Ireland legends charity match due to be played in London in March will be dedicated to the memory of Gary Halpin.
Capped 11 times by Ireland, The Kilkenny man naturally represented the Irish Legends team on several occasions before unfortunate his passing in February last year.
One of those aforementioned caps helped endear Halpin to the whole Irish Nation. At the 1995 World Cup Gary smashed his way through Zinzan Brooke scored a try for Ireland against all-powerful New Zealand. When he stood up after the try, in disbelief and dealing with being called a “Paddie” by New Zealnd hooker Sean Fitzpatrick all game, emotion got the best of him and he flipped the bird at the New Zealand defense. Immortalizing himself in the eyes of us “Paddies” forever.
Shane Byrne will lead Ireland into battle against England, with all players playing free of charge and nominating charities such as Restart Rugby, Cure Parkinson’s Trust, Alzheimer’s Society & the Rugby Players Ireland Foundation. No doubt the former Leinster and London Irish player, Halpin would of relishing the game, as he always did, and he will be sorely missed.
Listen back to our Gary Halpin tribute below we were joined by Shane Byrne, Mick Galwey, and more to hear thoughts on stories on one of the big men in Irish rugby. :
