IN 1985, Bangor Grammar School secured a notable victory in the Ulster Schools’ Cup final, defeating Omagh Academy with a score of 12–3 at Ravenhill Stadium.
This triumph marked their second Schools’ Cup win in the 1980s, following their 1983 victory over Wallace High School.
The 1985 final was a significant achievement for Bangor Grammar, contributing to their reputation as a formidable force in Northern Ireland schoolboy rugby during that era. The school’s rugby programme continued to flourish in the subsequent years, with additional successes in 1986 and 1988.
The 1985 team was captained by Michael Webb, who is still involved with the IRFU as a doctor. Two other notable members of the side were Mark McCall and Stephen McKinty. Mark subsequently captained the Ulster European Cup winning team of 1999, played for Ireland and is currently director of Rugby at Saracens, whilst Stephen represented Ulster numerous times, including the European Cup triumph.
To mark the 40th anniversary of that 1985 win, players and coaches met for an anniversary celebration last Saturday. A fantastic evening was had by all, with the miles travelled surpassed only by the many different versions of events.
