Wallace High School’s recent victory in the cup made me search for some of the Royal’s early successes.

The accompanying photograph, probably the first showing pupils, was taken in the wake of the school’s fourth win since the cup was first awarded in 1876. Methodist College lost to Armagh, 3 – 0,  at the Balmoral Showgrounds. In all, the school has won the cup on nine occasions.

Before looking at the individuals, examine the setting. Where was the photograph taken? Why were the players sitting and standing so casually in contrast to the modern two rows with arms folded uniformly? This can be explained by the limitations of Victorian photography. The exposure would have required the subjects to remain motionless for much longer than the modern mobile phone would need. A comfortable stance would trump the current team formation although an air of casual arrogance cannot be discounted. This absence of uniformity extends to their kit and boots; some boots lack studs while it is evident that washing machines had not been invented.

Of the sixteen individuals (no staff), details exist for fifteen. On death, the average age was 63, the median age was 64 and the range went from 36 to 83. In contrast, the last winning team of 2004 lost two players within a year. The longevity of the 1880 players is surprising given that male life expectancy in Britain for those born in 1865 was 44 years. These youths did not represent a cross-section of society. They largely came from privileged backgrounds and went on to secure professions unless in the military or colonial administration.

The players:

Roger Casement (p99#1000) 1864-1917. His family came from Wicklow and Portglenone. Major in the army who fought in Boer War and at Gallipoli in World War I. Died of natural causes. He was a cousin of Sir Roger Casement who went to Ballymena Academy.

Herbert Brownlow Kennedy (p123#1234) 1863-1939. Came from Monaghan, entered the church and in 1921 was Dean of Christchurch Cathedral in Dublin.

John Robinson (p145#1450) 1865-? Came from Dublin

Harry King (p124#1240) 1862-1913. Born London; father was deputy surgeon-general of the Indian Army. Harry became a Lt-Colonel in the Indian Army.

Richard W W Littledale (p127#1276) 1862-1918. Came from Dublin; became a barrister and in 1918 was appointed King’s Advocate-General for Ireland.

Guy S L’Estrange (p126#1269) 1863-1946. Son of a general, he became a ships’ doctor who settled in Queensland Australia.

Robert J Crawford (p103#1030) 1865-1929. Came from Belfast where he later entered the wine trade.

Charles M Johns (p121#1214) 1863-1926. Came from Carrickfergus and went to Trinity College Dublin. Later emigrated to Australia and died in Sydney.

Robert S Young? (p156#1562) 1862-1898. Studied medicine at TCD and died in Sierra Leone.

James C Marks (p130#1304) 1864-1946. Organist, composer and conductor in New York City.

William G Crawford (p103#1031) 1863-1939. Brother of #1030. Died at Ulster Club!

Richard M Wilson (p154#1549) 1864-1937. Came from Derry; became a GP in Derby and served on a hospital ship in World War I.

Tommy Askin (p93#1933) 1864-1933. Came from a church background in Dublin. He studied medicine at TCD and became a doctor in Suffolk. He died in London.

William H Fitzmaurice (p109#1091) 1864-1926. He went to TCD, entered the Church of Ireland and died in Tynan.

Daniel F Rambaut (p143#1433) 1865-1937. Family came from Waterford but had a longstanding connection to Armagh Observatory. Rugby international and pioneering psychiatrist deserving of a Times obituary and in the top rank of OAs.

Abraham R Colles (p102#1021) 1863-1899. Came from Dublin and died in Liverpool on return from Canada.

In terms of origin, nine came from Ulster, five from the rest of Ireland and one from England. In terms of career, five became doctors, two were commissioned in the army, two entered the church, one became a lawyer, and one became a professional musician.

The references after the names apply to the page in the School Register published in 1933 and the database of past pupils based on that register and additional research.

 © H Millar 2025