Photo gallery: Every photo taken at 2023 Grammar Downlands Day
‘In our blood’: The O’Callaghan Cup was a special game for one Grammar Old Boy who got the opportunity to show his rugby-mad daughters his old stomping ground for the first time. PHOTOS AND STORY HERE.
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With war cries and cheers rolling around Toowoomba Grammar School’s ovals, rugby commanded the spotlight on Saturday.
*NOTE: Looking for photos? Scroll to the bottom of the page
The O’Callaghan Cup is the showpiece event on Grammar Downlands Day, but with more than 30 games played, the day was about more than one historic match.
The 74th cup game was particular special for one TGS old boy who had the opportunity to show his rugby mad daughters his old stomping ground for the first time.
The Queensland Reds Rugby Union development officer Leighton Ireland said as his young daughters loved footy, it was special to be able to share the experience with them.
“Rugby is in our blood, these girls don’t know any different,” he said.
“My wife just finished up as head manager for the premier women’s West Bulldogs team.
“Rugby has always been a big part of my life and still is, and I’m very lucky to have come to this school really and be able to share it with the girls.
“They have seen school sports before, but this is a whole other level.”
He said it was an incredible and unforgettable experience with the chants, passion and camaraderie, and being there with his family.
“It’s been really great to show them where their Dad used to go to school,” Mr Ireland said.
“We were lucky enough to get to tour the buildings and dormitory – they thought they were at Hogwarts.”
Mr Ireland scored the winning try in 2005, bringing home the O’Callaghan Cup win for Toowoomba Grammar.
“I got to hold the cup twice in my time – so that was good,” he said.
“We really love Toowoomba, and we don’t get the time to visit (from Brisbane) as often as we like, so it’s been a great day for us.”
Toowoomba Grammar School director of sport and activities Steve Fryer said, “we really tried to focus on creating a carnival atmosphere”.
“We wanted it to be a celebration of rugby on the Darling Downs, and I think we saw that.
“There were more than 30 games played on the day with teams from Nudgee (College) and (St Joseph’s College Gregory) Terrace coming up for the day to play our teams.
“We also had the pleasure of hosting Downlands College and The Glennie School for the first time this year with the two schools playing for the Selena Worsley Shield.”
Mr Fryer estimated between eight thousand and 10 thousand people passed through the school’s gate over the course of the day with the biggest numbers gathering for the finale - the O’Callaghan Cup.
Leading 26-12 at halftime, Grammar looked in control but Downlands fought back in the second half.
Grammar’s goal-line defence proved to be the difference as they held on for a 38-33 win.
“The game was a real testament to Downlands who never gave up,” Mr Fryer said.
“They were resilient and determined, but at the same time our boys did extremely well to hold them.
“It proves that you can forget about form in this game.
“With the huge crowd and the history behind the game, it’s played on pure emotion.”
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