Inishowen Rugby club honour John Merritt at annual presentation

John Merritt, a founding member of Inishowen Rugby Club in 1970, was honoured at the club's annual presentation night in Simpson's last Friday night.

Mr Merritt was one of 100 grassroots volunteers selected by the Irish Rugby Football Union to receive a special 'services to rugby' medallion to mark the organisation's 150th anniversary celebrations.

Read More: Photo Gallery from Inishowen Rugby Club's annual presentation night

The award celebrates and acknowledges those who have made a significant contribution to the development of rugby in Ireland, and few have contributed more than John Merritt who has filled every role one can think of at Inishowen Rugby Club, from player to coach to club president and all the way to his current position of grounds and facilities manager.

John was presented with his award on Friday night by Erin McConalogue, who has become the first member of the Inishowen Rugby Club to be capped at U18 level by Ireland women.

Also present were several club past presidents, including Padraig Kelly, Mick McGarry, Jim McCarroll and John Madden, as well are the incumbent club president Anne Scott.

John was accompanied at the ceremony by his wife Josephine, and the couple celebrated their 45th wedding anniversary at the weekend.