Well, what a weekend of rugby it was. Super Saturday as it was being billed turned out to be thoroughly enjoyable, especially given Ireland’s Triple Crown win, however, I was really shocked when I heard the news that John Mc Call had died whilst playing for Ireland’s Under 19′s in Durban.
Not even two weeks ago I was watching him captain Royal School Armagh to victory in the Ulster Schoolboys Cup, and I remarked what a great player he was, and what a great and mature captain he was for his team. He was destined for great things in his rugby career and life, but sadly, we will never get to see this.
There is a very fitting and moving tribute paid to John on his schools website by the schools principal, which I have quoted below. The school and wider community are devastated by the tragic and untimely death of John McCall whilst representing Ireland U19 against New Zealand on 27th March in Durban South Africa. John had received his entire education of almost 14 years at the Royal School. Johns father Ian and Uncle Brian attended the Royal School as did sister Rebecca and girlfriend Suzanne. Johns brother James is in Fifth Form at the school. The thoughts and prayers of the entire school community are with the McCall family and extended family at this time. This year John captained the winning Schools Cup team, was captain of the Ulster Schools team and was a member of the Ireland U19 team. He was a natural leader to whom not only his own year group looked for inspiration but the whole school for whom he had become an icon. John was a young man of real character, with the motivation and resolve to make his mark in his chosen profession – he hoped to study architecture at Queens University – as well as his sport. The year group with whom he had spent his entire education is a very closely knit one in this small school community and to them he was like a brother. It is tragic to lose a young man of Johns calibre, demeanour and modesty, so young and with such an outstanding future ahead of him. A book of condolence has been set up in the school reception concourse for those who wish to contribute their thoughts. A Recollection Board has been set up in the same area. For those who cannot visit the school but who wish to contribute to the latter, your message can be sent to info@royalschool.com Paul Crute
Headmaster
John McCaul raising the Ulster School Boys Cup, March 17th 2004
