Published: Friday, 1st June, 2007 10:35
Donald's the Spirit of Scottish rugby
By Atholl Innes
Print Article
AT 81 years of age, Donald Swanson could be forgiven for hanging up his boots.
But the Peebles rugby stalwart has no plans to kick his commitment to his favourite club into touch.
Even after he was presented with the Spirit of Rugby Award at the SRU Awards dinner on Friday night at Murrayfield.
“What would I do?” he asked.
Donald, who had been nominated for the award by his club, received a huge ovation as he stepped forward to receive it in front of more than 400 at the gala dinner.
“I doubt if there is anyone in Scotland who has given so much service to the game,” said Peebles team manager Bob Hogarth.
“It is absolutely deserved. I am personally delighted – and he is still going strong!”
Donald was philosophical about the award. But he admitted: “I am delighted and very pleased.”
As a player and administrator at every level, Donald’s boots will be indeed hard to fill if he ever decides to retire.
As a player, secretary, treasurer, sweeper-out of the dressing rooms and general dogsbody, Donald sets an example, which few could match.
Even when his job with the Post Office took him north to Huntly, he became involved with that club.
And he played his last game at the age of 51 years.
Donald played in every position with Peebles – except stand-off, but his regular position was in the forwards.
He played with boots tied by a piece of string; he recalled the days before money became an integral part of the game when players had to produce clothing coupons and send records for feeding visiting teams to the Food Office.
Donald was captain, fixtures secretary, match secretary, treasurer.
He gave total commitment to the club, meeting officials from other clubs before nipping off to take down the pitch flags and washing the rugby balls.
Now, he has moved into the 21st century and can been seen at the balcony at home games – and on pitch side elsewhere – as he videos the game for the coaches and players,
Donald should have been at the Peebles club dinner on Friday night, and was concerned that he would miss one of the highlights of the year.
However, he admitted that Friday night was ‘excellent’.
“I had hoped to make a speech, but did not get the chance.
So he told the Peeblesshire News: “Queen Victoria had 60 glorious years on the throne. I have had 60 years of pleasure with Peebles RFC. Peebles for Pleasure.”
And with that, he was off back down to The Gytes…even although it is the close season.
Del.icio.us
Digg
Facebook
Reddit
Stumbleupon
Further Details
