A LIMERICK man made a surprising discovery about the city’s proud rowing history when he came across a unique 124-year-old trophy.
And Patrick Stack O’Neill from Janesboro is determined to find out more about the man it was presented to.
Founder and former chief executive of Business Excellence Ireland, Patrick was involved in rowing with St Munchin’s College, NIHE Rowing Club, and Limerick Masters.
“I have a long-time interest in vintage objects and their human stories,” he told the Limerick Post.
“A few years ago, I met Paul Walsh, who has a business in antiques and collectibles – Loft Antiques in Clarecastle. I mentioned to Paul my involvement in rowing and I asked him to look out for any Limerick rowing memorabilia.”
“I got a message recently from Paul to say that he located an unusual trophy given to a winning crew member. Like the Limerick Regatta perpetual cups, this individual trophy was engraved with the name of the cup, winning club name, year, and the crew members’ names and boat seats.”
The astounding find is a silver cigarette case, engraved with the legend ‘Limerick Regatta 1898, Quin Challenge Cup, TW Chillingworth‘.
The Limerick Regatta was a key fixture for clubs across the country. The perpetual trophies are on public display at the People’s Museum of Limerick, but Patrick says this latest discovery is a unique and exciting find.
“The trophy didn’t show what club he rowed for, I thought it could it have been a Limerick Club. I knew from the engraving that there was at least a Limerick connection through the Limerick Regatta,” said Patrick.
“I arranged a visit to the People’s Museum and, by chance, they have the original perpetual trophy, so I asked to see it. Much to my delight the cup was engraved and showed all the crew members, including TW Chillingworth.
“Now this has two Limerick connections – the Limerick Regatta Trophy (Quin Cup) and the winning crew, Limerick Boat Club.”
At the recent UL 50 celebrations, Patrick met with founding president Dr Ed Walsh, who credits among his talents the skills of a silversmith.
“I met Dr Walsh at Plassey House to get his input to this vintage trophy. He confirmed it was silver with a Chester hallmark,” Patrick explained.
Having bought the prized cigarette case and researched so much of its history, Patrick now wants to put flesh on the bones of the mysterious Mr Chillingworth and tell his story.
“I would love to hear from any relatives of his who could tell me more. I’m sure there are still people in Limerick who are related to him,” he said.
Anyone with information on the cigarette case or T.W. Chillingworth can contact Patrick by email at patoneillceo@gmail.com or by text on 0872318647.
Patrick is dedicating his search to former rowing colleagues, the late Michael Clancy and Con Sherin, both founding members of NIHE Rowing Club.
