Bertie O'Hanlon RIP - Archived-

We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Bertie O’Hanlon (92), a rugby great and a former pupil of Rockwell. From his time here in Rockwell to his stellar performance on the Irish national squad, Bertie was an example of both sporting excellence and strength of character.

During Bertie’s time in Rockwell, he was a stalwart on the Junior and Senior cup teams, serving as Rockwell’s indomitable scrum-half. With his characteristic patience and skill, he made Rockwell a force to be feared, contributing to a number of excellent performances for the Senior cup team, particularly their win in the 1942 Munster Cup final.

Upon his graduation, it was always onwards and upwards for Bertie, moving on first to the Munster team before his legendary stint as an Ireland player. Bertie’s performance on the 1948 Grand Slam Irish team remains a crowning achievement for a great sportsman, something we here at the union take great pride in, even all these years later.

We would, however, like to pay testament to a man of not just great sporting skill, but also of great strength of character. Bertie remained a person of great personality and goodwill all his life, and was an example of gentility, on and off the field.

 We wish Bertie a fond farewell after a life well lived, and our thoughts go to his loving family.