I knew Damian long before he joined the Colts, plus of course Mark, Philip and their cousin John. They were scouts in the 20th Ealing Group. Philip had the innocent look, Mark the cross look and Damian was into everything, from climbing up the marquee at camp to providing a gourmet meal on an open fire. He was an asset and great fun.
This was my connection and how I managed to get a lot of St. Benedict’s boys into the colts, and we never looked back. When we used to run round to the gym at Horsenden Lane for fitness training, I will always remember Damian doing at least 20 pull up to Big Jake’s 4. It was due to Damian that his father in law (Winter), who was with Guinness, managed to get some delivered to the Five counties hotel in Ireland, when the Colts were on tour.
Damian is not the first ex-colt to seek new playing fields. James Cogswell and Nigel Handley to name but two have gone before him, so he will not be alone when he knocks on the gates! God knows what they will get up to.
I will not be at the Abbey for the service, but will you please remember me to his brothers and the rest of the family.
