The second-row joined Ballymena RFC and then made his Ireland debut in 1962 when he was just 21. He travelled to the finals by train from Ballymena to Belfast, then trolley bus to City Hall and another to Cherryvale Grounds – with his own 12ft long pole! Willie John McBride is a Rugby Player, zodiac sign: Gemini. Perhaps even more significant than their efforts in New Zealand, it was a series which would go down in the annals of history as one of the greatest Lions sides ever ended up sealing a 3-0 victory. The neighbours were good to each other-helping to gather the potatoes, thrash the corn… The Ireland international started all four Tests as they came away from New Zealand with a remarkable 2-1 triumph. There was controversy in the final match, however, as the visitors attempted to claim a whitewash. Children of all religions attended that school. It was with the Lions where McBride’s legacy was built, however. He played with Ballymena all his sporting life. It was ultimately successful for the tourists, though, with the skipper coming up with the policy of ‘one in, all in’, believing that if they were all involved, the officials could not send everybody off. They achieved some superb results during that time, with the lock an influential figure, including defeating the Springboks for the first time and overcoming Australia in Sydney. His mother would give the livers to the neighbours. Willie John McBride of the British Lions in action during the Rugby Lions tour of South Africa, South Africa. He helped milk the cows before school, walked three miles to school at Dineen. Children of all religions attended that school. Prior to that tour, the front five forward had been described as being ‘over the hill’ but he played a key part down under and would then captain the squad three years later in South Africa. Willie John McBride was born on the 6th of June, 1940. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. a farm in Moneyglass. You have 1 article left before you need to join up to read more. Irish rugby legend Willie John McBride has savaged the modern game, lamenting the loss of rucking, the lack of space for attacking play, and the obsession with increasing player size. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. Some years ago, thumbing through a pile of archives in Ballymena’s museum, Willie John McBride came across a photo of an impeccably dressed man standing beside an Irish swing-plough and two horses, dated 1920. Explore {{searchView.params.phrase}} by color family {{familyColorButtonText(colorFamily.name)}} Willie John McBride of the British Lions … Willie John McBride (aged 78), born 6 June 1940 in Toombridge, Northern Ireland. Browse 128 willie john mcbride stock photos and images available, or start a new search to explore more stock photos and images. Willie John McBride was born on June 6, 1940 in Toomebridge, County Antrim, Northern Ireland. Warren Gatland's Lions surprised the world champions by recovering from defeat in the first Test to claim a share of the spoils in a drawn three-match series. Happy 80th Birthday Willie John McBride! The scythe was used to reap the corn; a stoop of corn was made of 4 sheaths. W illie John McBride stood in his underpants and surveyed the scene in front of him. It seemed impossible that the tourists – and McBride himself – could surpass that incredible achievement, but he and his team-mates did just that three years later in South Africa. If work had to be done on Sunday, cutting corn, feeding hens, milking cows, it was done after midnight, so as to observe the Sabbath! We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. The highlight of his achievements was captaining the Lions on their famous unbeaten tour against South Africa in 1974, the same year that he led Ireland to victory in the 1974 Five Nations Championship. He helped sow flax (lint), look after it, pull thistles – there were no sprays then; pull (not cut) the flax, put it in the dam with stones on it, filled it with water – how it stank! We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. WILLIE JOHN MCBRIDE; GROWING UP IN MONEYGLASS He has remained at the centre of rugby life ever since. Lunch was bread and a pint of buttermilk. Willie John McBride, Self: This Is Your Life. \ Mandatory Credit: Allsport UK /Allsport. McBride immediately became a key part of the Irish squad and eventually earned 63 caps – a remarkable effort for a player in that era – over 13 years in the green jersey. Athlete. During an international career which spanned 1962-75, Willie John McBride won 63 caps for Ireland and played a record 17 tests for the British and Irish Lions. Go to Portrush with half a crown in his second year in competition,. 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