Established in 2017 and named for a Duncannon native who tragically died in October 2016, the Richie Dwyer Over-35s league has thrived since its inception.
The organizers had 16 teams with more than 400 players participating last year. For this season’s league, set to start on May 9 and conclude mid-August, they are now welcoming applications from potential new teams interested in joining.
At present, 17 teams have been confirmed, and player registrations are still underway. Established with the intention of bringing former players out of retirement and into active play and social interaction, this league has become immensely successful, featuring teams from across Wexford and even including one team from Arklow.
Chairman Joe Doyle stated that Richie held three passions close to his heart—his family, fishing, and football—”and having this league renamed in his honor, with me serving as chairman just like he did, makes for an excellent concept and a tremendous achievement.”
We owe our gratitude to Richie’s offspring, Samantha, Vivienne, Denise, and Paul, for their ongoing assistance.
Following nine consecutive seasons, the league now boasts a modest profit remaining once insurance premiums, trophies, and everyday expenses have been accounted for.
Joe, together with the remainder of the committee consisting of Ciarán Stafford, Niall O’Callaghan, Derek Boyce, Colm Lawless, Vivienne Dwyer, and Adam Doyle, convened with the family and agreed to make monetary donations to nearby organizations on their behalf.
The family opted to contribute €1,500 to every organisation they selected, namely Fethard RNLI, Waterford City River Rescue, and Duncannon FC.
Fethard RNLI was chosen for this honor because Richie enjoyed nothing more than launching his punt onto the waters to go fishing, and he consistently made personal donations to support this initiative.
The selection of Waterford City River Rescue honors Richie’s nephew, Lenny O’Neill Jr., who together with his father, Lenny Sr.—both dedicated longtime supporters and contributors to the River Rescue charity—tragically passed away in 2019, just months apart from one another.
Richie’s cherished Duncannon FC was his football team up until the early 2000s, and he was instrumental in establishing the club way back in 1976.
“We are certain that Richie would be thrilled with the selection of the three organizations, and his legacy will continue through the operation of the league each summer,” stated Joe Doyle.
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