John Dixon Touch Rugby Tournament
Thursday, October 4th
@ Richmond Green (our lighted training facility)

The sixth playing of the John Dixon Memorial Touch Tournament takes place this Thursday night at 7 pm at Richmond Green (Leslie and Elgin Mills, Richmond Hill ON), followed by a drink in his honour at the Rose and Crown (Yonge and Eglinton) at 9 pm.

The event, in honour of the former player, manager, coach and president of the club, is well attended by all that knew him and those from the current playing side that did not; the tournament is a symbol of the dedication, positive spirit and support of the man whose sudden passing in early October 2002 shocked everyone in the Ontario rugby community.

John Dixon was a huge part of the Irish Canadian Rugby Club's family.  John joined the Irish when he moved to Canada from Ireland in 1971.  He formerly played with the Rainey Old Boys and also with Randalstown back home. 

A multi-talented player, John was as comfortable on the Wing as he was at Wing Forward as he represented Ontario on the Under-23 side in 1972.  John joined the Leprechauns in 1983 and captained them for three years while still playing for the club side, and continued to play until 1996, when injuries finally forced his retirement.   John was Club President from 1994 to 1996 when he stepped down to become Team Manager in 1997, a position he held until 2002 when he passed away.

The ICRC was the second love of his life (after his daughter Amy), and we were all better people for knowing John.  He was that guy in the club who did everything (bringing water, taking pictures, driving people home, etc.), and never once did he complain about it.  He always had kind words for all his friends, team-mates, opposition players and referees, and was very highly respected in the Ontario rugby community. 

He loved to play touch in practice and was always the first one there, dressed and ready to play as soon as a few others had their boots on.  It is for this reason that we honour and remember him with the annual Touch Tournament in his name, and afterwards raise a glass of Irish Whiskey or a pint of Guinness at the Rose & Crown.

All players, Alumni and friends of John are welcome on this night!!  Hope to see you all there!!