Presidents Musings...
This week's musing not only features the latest thoughts from our President John Spillane, it also features a message from our first Chairman, and Life Member, Ron Evans...
I wonder if the players of 2025 will develop the same enduring love of rugby and Marist St Pats as so many of us have.
I wonder if in 40 years’ time the committee of MSP will be speckled with players from our current crop.
And, in my darker moments, I wonder if club rugby will even exist in 40 years.
I have these thoughts as I listen to the reports of the millions of dollars that the NZRFU have lost (again) this year and I consider the condition of the Wellington club rugby competition – with numerous clubs now not able to field a Colts team and once strong clubs being reduced to just a few teams and a handful of aging volunteers trying hard to keep the lights on.
I feel some comfort being a part of the Red Machine – with its talented player base, great supporter group, energetic committee, and incredible sponsors – but I still worry about rugby’s future.
Unlike many, I do not worry because I need more Jubilee Cup's and trophies in the cabinet – I mean all that would be great but that is not why I worry – I worry because I believe that the rugby club environment as a whole is as important to young men and women today as it was back in the day.
I worry because I have witnessed the transformative powers of team sports (at every level), and I know the value in belonging to a Club like Marist St Pats and I worry if (when) it is gone, what will replace this exceptionally underrated educational facility, finishing school and diverse social network, for our young people.
These thoughts keep me awake at night – especially when I read this letter from Ron Evans, (MSP stalwart and Life Member) to his club marking Old Timers Day 2025.
Please take a minute to read Ron’s letter and I look forward to seeing you all on Saturday Cheers, John.
From Ron Evans...
A little bit about Ron: Ron was Marist St Pats First Chairman in 1971, President 1972 and Life Member 1973. This reflection also compliments that of Ron Evans and accessible on the Marist St Pats RFC website “A leap of faith,” and his Foreword in the Club’s 50th Jubilee Book, C’Mon Red published in 2020.
Ron wrote….
Eighty years ago, in April 1945, as a fifteen-year-old I walked through Newtown to the Marist RFC Gymnasium, then at Newtown Park.
Born in 1929 at the start of the Great Depression, I spent my first ten years in depressing institutions, Home of Compassion, St. Joseph's Orphanage, Upper Hutt, and St. Thomas's Boys Home, Naenae.
In 1939 I returned to a broken home in Adelaide Rd. Newtown, saddled with sheer poverty and hardship, hunger and loneliness to 1945 and end of World War II - and my decision at 15 to leave school and enter the work force - and join Marist RFC not having ever touched a 'ball' of any size in my life as I worked after school as delivery boy for local stores in Newtown.
On that April day in 1945 my life really began, the welcome, friendship, compassion and respect were to me the most beautiful memory of my life, and yes, I found 'Faith'. I shall bore you no longer but quote from St. Paul what I believe is what I learnt:
"I knew how to be poor, and I know how to be rich too. I have been through my initiation and now I am ready for anything, anywhere. Full stomach or empty stomach, poverty, or plenty. There is nothing I cannot master with the help of the one who gives me strength".
I just felt the need 80 years on to express my gratitude, goodwill, love and respect for all that Marist St Pats RFC has meant to me (and four of my sons) and wish all of you God's Blessings as you enter another year with the finest club of all.
With warmth and affection to everyone,
Ron Evans
MSP Supporters
Shamrock Club
