In a letter to the Western Journal in November 1978, former Ballina RFC and Connacht star, Eamonn English recalled a famous picture from his playing days. Four Ballina RFC players represented the province that season, English, Mellet, Campbell, McAuley and Sherry who captained the side.

Dear Sir,

Recently I was presented with a copy of your worthy paper which contained a photograph of the Ballina Rugby team of 1930-31 of which I had the honour to be captain. As I had not a copy of that picture you can imagine the feelings of nostalgia which it evoked.

The names of the players as set out were correct but the additional information re players capped for Connacht needs some clarification. The caps which were worn by Eddie Murphy and Tim O'Connor were Ballina "Player of the Year" caps.
Eddie Murphy's was awarded at the Annual General Meeting for the year 1928-29; Tim O'Connor's was for the year 1929-30 and I have one for 1930-31.
My nine year old grandson owns it since he was born and as he is a native of Cavan and as the colours are of the very same shade of blue (with its silver braid trimmings) as the very well-known blue of the County Cavan Gaelic football team.
No doubt in the distant future when we are all dead and long since forgotten some confusion as to the origin of the cap will arise and as the game of rugby continues to spread due to the abolition of the "Ban" and to television I am sure that the B.R.F.C. over the peak of my cup will be argued as standing for Bailieborough Rugby Football Club or for Belturbert or Ballyconnellv or Ballinagh.

It s a pity that fifty years old minute books are not treasured as they should be, both those of the Ballina Golf Club and Rugby Club are evidently lost forever. To set the record right, the first time that my province got representation was on Thursday, 10th January 1932 when we played Leinster at Galway Sportsgrounds and were beaten by 23 points to nil. Leinster had five or six internationals in their side so the score did not prove Connacht too bad.
Eddie Murphy had retired from the game then or of course he would have led the Connacht team. Had he played for some Dublin club after leaving Blackrock he would have marched on to any Irish team. The cap worn by Kevin Mellet in the picture was not a Ballina or Connacht cap, so it must have been awarded to him by Clongowes where he was a pupil or by U.C.D of which he was to become a medical graduate.

I have, what I think is, the only picture of that first Connacht team. It is a large canvas 18' x 13" and is a painting of sorts, obviously an enlarged photograph (touched up with dark paint as to the eyes and hair as we all have the same coloured eyes and hair though the expression in the eyes and features are fairly true to life.

The following is the XV: Feeney (Sligo) full back; A. McArthur (Sligo) wing; R. Sandy (U.C.G.) centre; E. English (Ballina} centre: P. Green (U.C.G.) wing; Barry (Galwegians) out half; P. Sherry (Ballina) capt., scrum half;
forwards, H. Campbell (Ballina); B. McAuley (Ballina); A. Jennings (U.C.G.); L Ryan (U.C.G.); S. East (Sligo); Williamson ( Castlerea); Naughton (Galwegians), B. Flynn (Loughrea). Referee: F. Craven (Galway).

Of the Ballina quartet, I am the only one living, I was 71 last month. Others who are no longer with us are McArthur, Green, Barry, Ryan, Sandys, I am not sure about Feeney, Williamson or Naughton. I hope they are still to the fore. The photograph is signed G. Gay 1932.
The next time I go to Ballina I shall bring it with me as no doubt you would like a copy for your archives. If this rather long letter finds space in your Journal I am sure that present Hon. Sec of the Ballina Rugby Club will be pleased to have a copy for the club records.
Yours sincerely, EAMONN ENGLISH 89 Church Street, Cavan 15th November, 1978.