New IRFU president Lyons ‘honoured’

JOHN LYONS yesterday assumed the office as the 121st President of the Irish Rugby Football Union.

In being nominated to the highest office in Irish rugby, the accountant, from Sandycove, Co Dublin, enhances a proud record by the Bective Rangers club, who also provided IRFU Presidents, John Hamilton O’Conor (1911-12), William G Fallon (1949-50) and Michael Cuddy (1993-94).

The new IRFU President said: “I am very honoured to assume the office as President of the IRFU, not alone for myself and my family, but also for my club Bective Rangers. This is a very challenging period in the history of the Union as we enter a season with a new coach and management team and many excellent up and coming young players blending with the more experienced ones.