The new chief executive of the WRU was born in Bristol, but her father Peter O’Sullivan played for the Bombers, Dinas Powys and Glamorgan Wanderers, and the Reservoir Field clubhouse was where her christening party was held.
Abi Tierney, CEO Welsh Rugby Union says, “I was absolutely delighted when Barry RFC invited me to unveil a mural on the outside of their clubhouse last Saturday. It was especially poignant as I was joined by my father for the occasion. Local rugby clubs like Barry RFC, are the life force of rugby across Wales, and as the mural depicts, are often the training ground for future international stars.
“It was wonderful to see current internationals, Mason Grady and Niamh Padmore feature in the mural as well as ex international Geoff Beckingham, in recognition of the past and present success.
“As we move forward it’s more important than ever that we support rugby clubs to become sustainable business that can adapt to the changing and diverse needs of the communities they represent in order to keep rugby alive and thriving in Wales.”
Barry chairman Jon Venners presented her with a caricature by Jeff Giggs, which is due to be displayed prominently in her office at Principality Stadium.
Among the many guests were Lis Burnett, leader of the Vale of Glamorgan Council, and Vale mayor Julie Aviet, both great supporters of the club’s development and progress off the field.
“The club hopes the mural, which features three Wales internationals who started out with Barry, will prove a source of inspiration to all Barry’s present and future boys and girls,” said Venners.
Portraits of current internationals Mason Grady, now on Six Nations duty, and Niamh Padmore, who made her debut in last year’s under-18s Six Nations, the first female Barry player to win a Wales cap, flank that of Geoff Beckingham, who won three Wales caps, two in 1953 against England and Scotland, and the last in 1958 against France.
Grady was unable to attend, but his family brought along his Wales shirt, which he wore against England, and which he has donated to the club.
The mural was designed by Hurts So Good, who had previously been involved in a project with Barry’s Reservoir Youth Club, the work on the wall being carried out by Kyle Hill and Ceri Stokes.
Rhys Jones, Jones, Youth Engagement Manager with he Vale Youth Service, supported the Youth Club project and mural with a grant, and there was further support from UPVC Spraying of Wales.
