Preston is to be honoured with memorial match

GUINNESS Rugby Club will play host to Tallaght RFC in a pre-season match dedicated to the memory of the late Philip Preston in the Iveagh Grounds (on the front pitch) this coming Friday at 7pm.

The game, which will be attended by Philip’s family, will be the first in an annual fixture between the two clubs in memory of a man who was a most influential member of both clubs.

Indeed he played for many years with Guinness before a broken leg saw him hang up his boots for a few years.

When he made the decision to return to the sport he moved to Tallaght RFC where he soon became an integral part of their set-up and helped them grow to be the club they are today.

For the last few years Preston was Tallaght’s Youth Development Officer and was very active in growing the sport in the Tallaght area.

His commitment to his community was recognised by everyone in Tallaght last year, when he was named ‘Tallaght Person of the Year’.

His impact on the local community could also be seen by the huge Guard of Honour he received on the day of his funeral.

“Philip was a team mate and friend to many players in both Guinness and Tallaght Rugby Clubs and we hope this match will, in some small way, do his memory proud” said Stephen Keogh of Guinness RFC.

After the game refreshments will be served with the annual Guinness Awards Ceremony for the 2015/16 season also taking place that evening.