Todd’s Cap A Fitting Farewell
Well known actor Richard Todd, who died last week, recently received a presentation from the IRFU of an Ireland cap to mark his father Andrew’s three games for Ireland in 1913/14. It was a fitting tribute to two great men.
Richard Todd, the actor, who died on December 3 aged 90, was one of the first British officers to land in Normandy in advance of the main D-Day landings and went on to become Britain’s highest-earning matinee idol of the post-war years.
His most memorable role was that of Wing Commander Guy Gibson, VC, in ‘The Dam Busters’ (1955).
He was also a very proud son of former Ireland international A. W. P Todd.
Earlier this year the IRFU received a request from Richard’s son – also named Andrew. Richard, who was living in England, had been born in Ireland and recalled that his father had played for Ireland three times.
During the London Blitz in World War 2, all of his father’s personal possessions including his Ireland cap were destroyed in a bombing raid.
One of Richard’s final wishes was to commemorate his father’s rugby legacy. Richard’s son Andrew contacted the IRFU to see if a replacement cap could be presented to his father.
A. W. P Todd made his debut for Ireland against Wales in March 1913. He won two more caps, both against France and both victories, before the First World War broke out.
IRFU President John Callaghan and Director of Corporate Affairs Kevin Potts arranged that another cap would be made for Andrew Todd and presented to Richard.
IRFU Archivist Willow Murray was able to unearth a perfect quality photograph of the 1914 Ireland team that faced France with Andrew in the team at full-back.
IRFU Committee member Feidlim MacLoughlin was appointed to represent the IRFU and make the presentation to Richard.
Feidlim travelled to Richard’s care home in September and met with the great man and his family. Richard was presented with his father’s cap and a framed copy of the photograph of his father as well as an Irish Exiles plaque and a copy of the Ireland Grand Slam book – which he was proud to receive.
It was a wonderful and emotional day and Richard was proud to stand up from his wheelchair to receive his father’s cap.
The day finished with a visit to Leicester Rugby Club and a meeting with Ireland full-back Geordan Murphy who presented Richard with one of his jerseys. This was particularly poignant for Richard because his father also lined out at full-back for Ireland.
Richard’s son Andrew spoke afterwards of how much the day meant to his father. “What a very special day it was. When Feidlim made the official presentation there was hardly a dry eye in the house. The framed photo of my grandfather was a lovely touch,” he said.
“My father was deeply moved by the occasion, by the kindness and thoughtfulness of the IRFU and Feidlim and in no small part by the fact that he was reunited with the cap after all these years.”
Andrew Todd’s Ireland Caps:
A. W. P Todd
Wales, March 8, 1913. Lost 16-13
France, March 24, 1913. Won 24-0
France, January 1, 1914. Won 8-6
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