Callan dies after long illness

COLUM CALLAN, a member of Ireland’s 1948 Grand Slam-winning team, has died following a long illness. He was 87.

Originally from Port, Co Louth, Callan played his club rugby in the secondrow with Lansdowne. He was a tough, no-nonsense player whose qualities earned him 10 caps for Ireland in what was an outstanding era for the national team.

He made his Irish debut on January 25th, 1947, at Lansdowne Road, one of 14 new caps. Callan was in good company, as among those making their international bow that day was legendary outhalf Jack Kyle.

Ireland lost 12-8 to France, but beat England and Scotland before losing a Triple Crown clash with Wales in Swansea.

The Lansdowne man played in all four games during the Five Nations Championship before being omitted for the Test against Australia on December 6th, 1947.

He was reinstated for the opening match the following season, a victory over France at the Stade Colombes on New Year’s Day, 1948. The campaign was an unblemished four-match run that culminated with a 6-3 win over Wales at Ravenhill and a first Grand Slam.

Callan would play two internationals in 1949, the second of which, a victory against England at Lansdowne Road, was to prove his last cap.

He is survived by his wife, Margaret, and children Richard, David, Frank, Paul, Mary and Anne, to whom we extend our condolences.

JO’S