St. Mary’s Launch James Maguire Archive

Prior to their recent AIB League Division 1A game against Garryowen at Templeville Road, St. Mary’s College RFC proudly launched the James Maguire photographic archive.

James Maguire, or ‘Jim’ as he was known to his friends, was a very familiar figure in St. Mary’s College RFC for many decades, especially during important games when he would be seen patrolling the touch lines in deep concentration with his cameras.

The equipment he used, although then ‘state of the art’ was heavy and cumbersome, but his enthusiasm and ability meant he noticed it not and his excellent work has ensured that a magical photographic record of our playing history exists.

He first became involved with the club when he photographed the winning teams of the 1948/49 season and this he did, each year for many generations of teams at all levels and he developed a relationship, or rather a love affair, with the club which lasted to his death.

Nothing was too much trouble for him to do for the club. He always gave freely of his wonderful professional talents with great patience and forbearance.

Although quiet and gentle he was congenial and entertaining and was extremely popular. Before he died he compiled and most generously presented to the club, a complete portfolio of his St. Mary’s photographs. This now ensures that St. Mary’s College RFC has an enviable photographic collection for posterity.

Recently, that collection of photographs has been digitalised and added to the St. Mary’s College website here.

Special thanks for all this work go to the club’s archivists John Kinahan, Matt Gilsenan, Jim Murray and Eoin Quinn.

St. Mary’s College RFC President Niall Rynne was delighted that members of Jim’s family were present to witness the launch of the archive.

He said: “Jim was a true St. Mary’s man who loved rugby and the club, and proved it through the lens of his cameras and his dedication over all those years.

“His collection has now been digitally archived and is available for viewing on the club website. We are ever indebted to Jim and the Maguire family.”