O’Callaghan Cup Grammar Downlands Day 2024 at Downlands | photos

See all the excitment and colour of the 75th O’Callaghan Cup and the Selena Worsley Sheild and meet the man who captained the Downlands first XV rugby team in 1952 in our gallery here.

91-year-old Downlands First XV 1952 captain Kevin Farlow (right) chats with Garth Cocks who was a year below him at school as Downlands take on Grammar in the O'Callaghan Cup 2024. Picture: Kevin Farmer

The 2024 Grammar Downlands Day was a fittingly exciting affair with some of the Darling Downs finest schoolboy and schoolgirl rugby stars putting on an absolute show.

Thousands of past and present students and players from the rival schools were joined by The Glennie School for the momentous event at Downlands College.

Grammar capped off an impressive day with a commanding 40-15 win in the showpiece game, the O’Callaghan Cup, while Glennie were equally impressive winning all three of their Selena Worsley Shield games against Downlands.

TGS captain Joe Gray was honoured to lead his side to glory in the milestone occasion.

“(We) came out firing, we knew Downlands were gonna come out firing and just had to match that energy and I am so proud of them, they did so well today,” he said.

“I am absolutely buggered, it is so hot today but so proud of them, they fought so hard, did so well, did everyone proud, hopefully did our Old Boys’ proud, our school proud, our families proud and we did each other proud that’s for sure.”

Leading her side to victory in her final year of schooling Glennie’s Anna Park was equally pleased.

“That was amazing,” she said.

“(I am) really proud, we spread the ball really well today, and it was a tough fight, Downlands are very physical so it was good to get the win - all three wins.

“It is really good for our last year, especially having a big crowd behind us which is great.”

While they may have witnessed a damming loss in the O’Callaghan Cup this year, Downlands old boys were still proud to be on the sidelines cheering on the Griffins.

It was an honourable day for 91-year-old Sunshine Coast man Kevin Farlow who captained the Downlands side two years in a row from 1951-52.

Mr Farlow also captained the winning Darling Downs side in the Brisbane GPS second in 1952.

91-year-old Downlands First XV 1952 captain Kevin Farlow as Downlands take on Grammar in the O'Callaghan Cup. Picture: Kevin Farmer

“We had boys from Warwick, Gatton and Downlands on side, we were the underdogs and won 11-3,” he said.

Having boarded for six years, the school grounds are filled with a lot of great memories for Mr Farlow.

91-year-old Downlands First XV 1952 captain Kevin Farlow (centre) watches as the First XV run out to take on Grammar in the O'Callaghan Cup. Picture: Kevin Farmer

It was an important day for Mr Farlow as one of the last surviving members from his team.

Captain of the winning Downlands first XV team in 1999 Gene Fairbanks said the reunion was a great opportunity to share a special part of life with his young son.

“It was great to be back and catch up with some of the other Downlands boys and to show my son where I went to school,” he said.

Downlands First XV 1999 winning team captain Gene Fairbanks shows his son Digby Fairbanks the O'Callaghan Cup. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Mr Fairbanks made the massive trip up from Sydney to take part in the reunion.

Photo Gallery:

Supporting the Grammar team are Abbie Webster and her mother Sarah Webster with Kyllie Beverland. Picture: Bev Lacey

Anel Van der Walt (left), Siska Herholdt, Renske Van der Walt and Yolande Willemse. Picture: Bev Lacey

Cate McNair (left), Grace York and Lasca Duffin. Picture: Bev Lacey

Jess Fitzgibbons (left) with Gabby Boardman, Allie Ryan and Molly McPherson. Picture: Bev Lacey

Sarah Rogers. Picture: Bev Lacey

Ed Donohue and his family have had a long association with Downlands. His uncle was a student from 1931 to 1935, and his dad started in 1936. Ed, also a former student, was a member of the under 13 Rugby team sixty years ago. Picture: Bev Lacey

Ed Donohue and his family have had a long association with Downlands. His uncle was a student from 1931 to 1935, and his dad started in 1936. Ed, also a former student, was a member of the under 13 Rugby team sixty years ago. Picture: Bev Lacey

Sarah Rogers. Picture: Bev Lacey

Watching the games is Rachael Cox. Picture: Bev Lacey

Latoya and her mother Jade Challenor. Picture: Bev Lacey

Allie Ryan (left) with Linda Ryan and Gabby Boardman. Picture: Bev Lacey

Watching the games are Rachael Cox and Steve Hughes. Picture: Bev Lacey

Keeping hungry players fed, Jo O'Neill was kept busy with a son, Xander playing in 16A boys team and daughter, Caitlin, in 15A girls team. Picture: Bev Lacey

Lucy Zellers (left) with Latoya and her mother Jade Challenor. Picture: Bev Lacey

Alli Combe (left) and Elly-May Brown. Picture: Bev Lacey

Supporting the Grammar team are Abbie Webster and her mother Sarah Webster. Picture: Bev Lacey

TGS cheer squad. Picture: Bev Lacey

TGS old boy Chris Sharp at grandson Jett Denman watch the O'Callaghan Cup. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Downlands past students (from left) Lucy Adams, Emelia Hodal, Jacob Stewart and Hugh Stiller in front of the Downlands supporters stand. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Lisa Fletcher with her kids Charlie and Annabelle. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Lisa Fletcher with her kids Charlie and Annabelle. Picture: Kevin Farmer

In front of the Downlands supporters stand are (from left) Sarah Holman, Menita Overton and Phoebe Hutchinson with the Downlands Griffin (Patrick McCarthy-Cole). Picture: Kevin Farmer

Menita Overton (left) and Phoebe Hutchinson show their support for Downlands. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Downlands past students (from left) Ryan Jackson, Sam Mason and Tom Mason. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Emma Durack (left) and Leanne Colthup with the Downlands Griffin (Patrick McCarthy-Cole) in front of the Downlands supporters stand. Picture: Kevin Farmer

James Doherty (left) and Louis Naug. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Enjoying the rugby are (from left) James Doherty, Heidi Naug and Louis Naug. Picture: Kevin Farmer

TGS old boy Chris Sharp at grandson Jett Denman watch the O'Callaghan Cup. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Stephen Tinkler (left) and Camreon Steer enjoying the rugby. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Downlands student Georgina Loughnam reunites with her primary school teacher Jo Clark and Jo's husband Philip Clark. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Jo Clark takes a picture with her former primary school student Georgina Loughnam after they reunited. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Enjoying the girls and boys rugby are (from left) Biddy Blair, Alison Blair and Michelle Neven. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Class of '79 Downlands old boys (from left) Mark Grau, William Cheng, Terry Stewart and Justin Rowe. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Catching up on Grammar Downlands Day are (from left) Nat Gray, Lyndon Gray and Owen Goddard at Downlands College. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Backing Downlands are (from left) Eden Fechner, Phoebe Craddock and Jamie Craddock. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Kent and Amanda Glass show their support for Downlands. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Grammar graduates of 2004 (from left) Simon Buttenshaw, Matt Eilers, James Rees, Ben Phipps, Adam Rodger and Brody Grogan watch the O'Callaghan Cup. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Showing their support for Downlands with three sons each playing are (from left) Michael and Anne Day with Yolande and Vic Willemse. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Vicki Zappa and Bonnie Zappa. Picture: Bev Lacey

Celebrating their 50th reunion are members of the Downlands class of 1974 (from left) Barry Evans, Bernie O'Sullivan, Tom Brodie, John Harland and Godfrey Tindall. Picture: Bev Lacey

Supporting Downlands players Declan, Simon, Aidan and Thomas are grandmothers Heather Robinson (left), Kathy Day and mother Anne Day. Picture: Bev Lacey

Quilpie supportors (back from left) Louise Hoch, Kerry Vagg, Anthony Vagg, Belinda Vagg and front; James Hoch, Rupert and Stuart Vagg. Picture: Bev Lacey

Zoe Challenor (left), Isabelle Close, Jade Challenor and Christine Close. Picture: Bev Lacey

Derek and Janice Holstein. Picture: Bev Lacey

Grammar supporters Mick Latham (left) and Brett Crawley. Picture: Bev Lacey

Jed Dowling (left) with Michael Day and Rocky Tillman. Picture: Bev Lacey

Trish Darvall (left) and Briony Hoare. Picture: Bev Lacey

Peter Yoemans (left), with Logan Flynn and Ned Hindman. Picture: Bev Lacey

Downlands College old boys from the class of 1974 Greg Campbell (left) and Robert McDougall. Picture: Bev Lacey

Telia Simpson and family, Hugo, Dimity (centre) and Gabrielle. Picture: Bev Lacey

The Finlay family from Emerald (from left) Peter, Jenny (back), Kenzie, Maya and Andrew Finlay. Picture: Bev Lacey

Isla, Karl, Luca and Mel. Picture: Bev Lacey

Thomas, Annie and Natalie Case proud supporters of their brother and son, Ollie Case in his game. Picture: Bev Lacey

Prue Braund and Pauline Lawson. Picture: Bev Lacey

Darren and Isaac Wright. Picture: Bev Lacey

TGS supporters Grace Johnson (left), Charlotte Johnson and Devon Leishman. Picture: Bev Lacey

Roz Zillman (left) and Mel Ryrie. Picture: Bev Lacey

Kathy and Stuart Tighe (left), Greg, Lyndall and Gilbert Tighe. Picture: Bev Lacey

At Downlands are (from left) Graham Rowles, Sam Rowles, Shelby Rowles, Siena Hampson, Mel Hampson and Lucas Hampson. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Showing their Downlands colours are (from left) Campbell Hickman, Jasmine Mulheran and Peta Mulheran. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Downlands player Bess Murray holds the sign made for her with fellow students (from left) Hailey Price, Chelsey Perry, Jem Smith and Jacob Hastie. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Glennie supporters (from left) Belinda Fagan, Sally McKenzie, Angus Fagan and Laura Toytari. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Jodi Holden (left) with Janine Stephens, mum of Downlands First XV captain Jake Stephens. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Jodi Holden (left) with Janine Stephens, mum of Downlands First XV captain Jake Stephens. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Glennie supporters (from left) Belinda Fagan, Sally McKenzie, Angus Fagan and Laura Toytari. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Downlands supporters (from left) Rachel, Sophia and Troy Qualischefski. Picture: Kevin Farmer

TGS supporters Matt and Leanne Allen (left) with Downlands old boys Peter Ramsey and Terry Wilkinson (right). Picture: Kevin Farmer

Dom and mum Margot Black. Picture: Kevin Farmer

TGS student George Tighe with parents Stuart and Lyndall Tighe. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Downlands staff (from left) Kate Lee, Janelle Cartwright and Emma Herbert. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Getting behind Grammar are (from left) Sarah, Indi and Daniel Chappel. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Downlands supporters (from left) Ruby Williams, Kelly Williams, Preston Williams and Albert Dynevor. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Grammar supporters (from left) Ardie Moloney, Kate Moloney, Natalie Henry, Sally Muenster, Arabella Muenster and Ava Grob. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Backing Downlands are (from left) Milly Allan, Rosie Higgs and Lauren Paton with their signs for their friends players Zoey and Matt. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Backing Downlands are (from left) Eden Fechner, Phoebe Craddock and Jamie Craddock. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Downlands supporters (from left) Liana Niki, Ethan Niki and Sharna Waikato. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Grammar get behind their First XV team during the O'Callaghan Cup. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Aaron, Kim and Taylah Brown with Stacey Benz. Picture: Bev Lacey

Ellyse with her father Brendan Gaffney. Picture: Bev Lacey

Archie and his mother Lucy Dugan, Annabelle Fletcher, Olivia Dugan and Charlie Fletcher supporting their Downlands brother and cousin player Jimmy Fletcher. Picture: Bev Lacey

Jacqui and Matt Cave. Picture: Bev Lacey

Downlands supporters Steve (left) and Hamish Foran. Picture: Bev Lacey

Rachel Qualischefski and her daughter Sophia are ready to cheer on son and brother Billy in the Downlands under-16 team. Picture: Bev Lacey

Michael Bruton, Lynne and Ben Waters. Picture: Bev Lacey

Sione Faingaanuku, John and Sefo Fahamokioa made the trip from Emerald for the game. Picture: Bev Lacey

Patrick (left) and Finnegan Nolan. Picture: Bev Lacey

Oliver and his dad James Phelan. Picture: Bev Lacey

Robert and Julz Mills with Jibba. Picture: Bev Lacey

Robert and Julz Mills with Jibba. Picture: Bev Lacey

Archie and his mother Lucy Dugan, Annabelle Fletcher, Olivia Dugan and Charlie Fletcher supporting their Downlands brother and cousin player Jimmy Fletcher. Picture: Bev Lacey

Alexis and Damien Seubert, from Darwin ready to cheer on their son. Picture: Bev Lacey

Shaylee Nicholls and her children Hank and Rory. Picture: Bev Lacey

Past Downlands students (from left) Matthew Fletcher - 1998, Tom Brodie - 1974 and William Fletcher - 2003. Picture: Bev Lacey

Stirling, Joel, Emma and Greer Muirhead. Picture: Bev Lacey

Past Downlands students (from left) Dom Doherty - 1992-1996, Mick Doherty 1957-1961, and Stephen Cuskelly 1973-1977. Picture: Bev Lacey

Rachel Qualischefski and her daughter Sophia are ready to cheer on son and brother Billy in the Downlands under-16 team. Picture: Bev Lacey

Oliver and his dad James Phelan. Picture: Bev Lacey

Karen-Lee Mills with Julz (left) and Jordan Mills with Jibba. Picture: Bev Lacey

Allie and Ian Woods. Picture: Bev Lacey

Grammar First XV meet the student body after defeating Downlands to claim the O'Callaghan Cup. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Downlands First XV captain Jake Stephens runs out to take on Grammar. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Grammar First XV take to the field. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Grammar First XV meet the student body after defeating Downlands to claim the O'Callaghan Cup. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Grammar get behind their First XV team during the O'Callaghan Cup . Picture: Kevin Farmer

Downlands First XV vice captain Ben Lotz runs out to take on Grammar. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Grammar First XV meet the student body after defeating Downlands to claim the O'Callaghan Cup. Picture: Kevin Farmer

TGS celebrate winning the 2024 O’Callaghan Cup at Downlands College. Picture: Nev Madsen

Patric O’Callaghan hands over the O’Callaghan Cup to Grammar First XV captain Joe Gray. Picture: Nev Madsen

TGS 1st XV celebrate their win in the 2024 O’Callaghan Cup. Picture: Nev Madsen

TGS captain Joe Gray and Headmaster John Kinniburgh celebrate the win for TGS. Picture: Nev Madsen

(From left) Trace Beattie, Ben Burgess and Joe Gray celebrate the win for TGS. Picture: Nev Madsen