Former players honoured

Two former presidents of Bective Rangers, Michael Cuddy and George Norton, were honoured yesterday at a special luncheon at Dublin Writers Museum which honoured their entry into the Rugby Writers of Ireland Guinness Hall Fame.

Cuddy, educated at Castleknock College, played in three Leinster Cup winning campaigns with Bective Rangers. In 1958 he made his debut for Leinster, an ever present member of the side for three seasons. Further honours followed with three Irish trials and he was substitute twice for Ireland.

He was also a noted administrator, 10 years the Bective representative on the Leinster Branch before becoming chairman of the selection committee at a time when the province won four interprovincial titles. He chaired the national selection committee in 1984-85, coinciding with Ireland's last Triple Crown success.

Norton was educated at St Mary's College, joined Bective and made his debut for Leinster in 1947. A brilliant place-kicker he made his debut for Ireland against France in 1949, kicking three penalties. It was his success with the boot that played a central part in Ireland's Triple Crown success that year.

His record of 26 points beat that of Dickie Lloyd set in 1913. He played in all four matches the following season and was then rewarded with a Lions tour to Australia and New Zealand.

Injury brought a premature end to his playing career but he then became a referee, officiating at a Leinster Schools Cup Final.