Last Sunday week at the Aviva Stadium, prior to the Energia All-Ireland League Men’s & Women’s Finals, the IRFU paid tribute to 100 volunteers from clubs and schools across Ireland as part of its 150th anniversary celebrations. These individuals were recognised for their exceptional dedication to the growth and spirit of rugby in Ireland through the “Service to Rugby” awards.

Among those honoured was the late Richard “Dick” Brady, whose award was presented posthumously in recognition of his 6 decades-long contribution to the sport.

Dick Brady’s impact on Irish rugby spanned playing, coaching, and volunteering over 5 decades with Navan RFC. He served as a Towns Cup winning player and captain in the 1960's,  coached the fledgling and highly successful "minis" movement in the 1970's and early 1980's and moved on to coach the first XV J1 team with Paul Brady in the late 1980's and 1990s to win 3 Towns Cups. He served as Treasurer for 8 years, and Trustee of Navan RFC for over 40 years, while also making contributions to Lansdowne FC and his alma mater, Castleknock College. His lifelong dedication to the game exemplified the values of commitment, service, and community spirit.

Dick's daughter, Catherine accepted the award on behalf of the Brady family at the Aviva, representing not only Dick’s legacy but the deep and enduring connection between Navan RFC and the wider rugby community. While Dick passed away in 2016, it's wonderful that Dick's wife Eithne continues to attend the AIL lunches in the club and meeting old friends and ex players that she gave lifts to and washed many a jersey for! She also has the pleasure of supporting her 2 grandchildren Luke Brady (U17's) and Lillian Brady (U18's) play with Navan RFC.