Passing of great rugby man
The death occurred on Wednesday of last week of former Lansdowne FC, Leinster Rugby and IRFU President, Caleb Powell, a native of Templederry who also served as a distinguised player with Nenagh Ormond.
Caleb was the IRFU’s 122nd President in 2010-2011 and was a former President of Lansdowne FC in the 1993-1994 season and also President of the Leinster Rugby Branch in 1997-1998.
As a player he wore the Nenagh Ormond and UL Bohemians jerseys and was capped by Munster Rugby before representing Dublin University FC and Lansdowne FC in Dublin, with whom he won the Leinster Senior Cup as captain in 1965.
Following his playing days, Caleb coached the King’s Hospital School, where he had attended as a pupil and would later work. He also coached Lansdowne, the Leinster Schools and the Ireland Schools sides.
Caleb also sat on many Leinster Rugby Branch and IRFU committees and was held in high esteem, in particular, for his contributions to the schools game. He was the schools’ representative on the Leinster Branch for over 20 years, from 1980 to 2006.
SCHOOL TRIBUTE
The Kings Hospital Board and Day School where he was educated and later worked as a teacher said it was with much sadness that it “learned of the passing of our friend, past colleague and past pupil” after a long illness.
In a post on its Facebook page the school board said: “Caleb will be greatly missed by all who knew him and we are grateful to have spent time with Caleb at our staff retirement party last October to reminisce with colleagues past and present. Caleb leaves a lasting legacy and will be fondly remembered.”
The school, which flew its flag at half mast to mark Caleb's passing, expressed its deepest sympathies to his wife Gillian and children; Robert, Lynn and David along with extended family.
The school added: “Caleb was one of three brothers from Templederry, Co Tipperary to be educated at Blackhall Place. He played for three seasons on the senior rugby team, captaining the team and being awarded colours in his final year.
“He also impressed on the hockey field, likewise earning colours and playing for Leinster Schools.
“His teaching career began at Villiers School in Limerick. He then returned to his alma mater in 1961 and taught Geography for 40 years. For the last 20 years, he was Vice-Principal of the school. Coach of the senior rugby team for many years, he was instrumental in leading the school to the cup final in 1982. He served as President of the Irish Rugby Football Union from 2010 to 2011.”
Caleb, who was born in Templederry and lived in Lucan, Dublin, passed away peacefully at St Francis Hospice, Blanchardstown. He was the beloved husband and best friend of Gill and much loved dad of Bob, Lynn and Dave, father-in-law of Áine, Fergal and Jenny and adored grandfather to Amelia, Nathan, Caleb, Isaac, Rebecca, Lauren and Ellis.
He will also be sadly missed by his brothers Baden, George, Arthur and Dick and his sisters-in-law and a wide circle of friends. He was predeceased by his brother Charlie.
A private committal Service at Newlands Cross Crematorium was held on Saturday last following Caleb's Funeral Service at St Andrew’s Church, Lucan.