St Mary's College RFC Yearbook 2020-21

MATT GILSENAN, RIP
Today, 20th July 2020, St Mary’s College RFC
lost one of it its pioneers. A man that
epitomised the values and standards that
defines the club. He has left an indelible legacy.
Matt was the quiet leader that commanded
respect and affection. It was he to whom one
looked for guidance on everything Marys.
Matt was essential to all the major moves and
developments of the club since the 40s.He
was most approachable, ever ready to listen
sympathetically, with help and advice. He was
appreciative, always kind and good
humoured. He was universally popular and
gregarious, most of all honourable.
In 1948 a young Matt Gilsenan, straight from
St Mary’s College, Rathmines, joined the club
that he was to love, serve and guide for 70
years. He held his bond of loyalty to his alma
mater too, and served the PPU with
dedication and leadership.
Matt, although just from school, captained the
3As (J3s now) in the season 1948-49 and his
record cannot be bettered, as he led his team
through the entire season unbeaten and won
the newly created Moran cup in brilliant style.
He later captained the club, and brought his
team on the first ever overseas tour by the
club, to Italy. It turned out to be tough but
successful. Sadly, Matt was injured and had to
give up playing. Well the playing side’s loss
was the administrative side’s gain for he was
to go on to fill every role in that sphere, with
distinction, including presidency from 1975 to
1977. He also turned to refereeing and
refereed with great acumen at all levels to
interprovincial, for many years.
At the age of only 25, Matt was appointed a
trustee of his club, a role he discharged
assiduously for 52 years. In 2007, Matt received
a special award from the club for services
rendered and he was conferred with the highest
club honour; Honorary Life Membership.
From an early stage he had an interest in club
history and memorabilia, keeping photos, club
membership cards, programmes and other
items of interest. Fortunately for the club, he
73
Matt Gilsenan
became the club archivist and kept a
meticulous record of relevant material.
Matt had a highly successful business career
and generously helped young players and St
Mary’s men along their career pathways.
Even in the days of a more male orientated
rugby environment, Matt had his beloved wife
and life partner, Breda, (Sadly deceased) by
his side, inseparable and dedicated. She too
made a generous contribution to St Mary’s.
Their son, John from an early age has been
steeped in Marys and he, like his father, has
played and managed on the rugby side and
has been an officer, president in 2011-12 (when
the AIL was won) and was the first ever club
chairman. Matt’s grandson, John’s son Conor,
has also played for the club with distinction.
It is not really possible to quantify or value
highly enough the work that Matt has done in
every role, as a quiet effective ambassador for
the club and a revered figure of
personification of our club.
A dark day for St Mary’s College RFC.
D O’Brien