Norman Coleman Snr RIP
It is with deep regret that we learned today of the passing of a Dolphin legend, our Honorary Life Member, Norman Coleman Snr. (pictured a few months ago on his birthday)
He was Cola to everyone, came from a great Dolphin family,the only family where a Father & 2 sons have served as President and father & son captained Dolphin to Munster Senior Cup victories.
Dicky captained Dolphin to the clubs first Munster Senior Cup victory in 1921 and President in 1957-58 while Dick was President in 1973/74.
Norman (Cola) was the most talented, he played for Munster many times, the highlight was playing v New Zealand at the Mardyke in January 1954. He was one of four Dolphin representatives that day, in a narrow 6-3 defeat, the others being John O’Meara, Gerald Reidy & J S McCarthy. He was a penalty scorer the following season in a 12-9 victory over Leinster.
With those players it was not surprising there were was a lot of silverware, 4 in a row Cork Charity Cup victories. 1955/56 was the highlight, the only time Dolphin won a Senior treble. Cork Charity Cup & Munster Senior Cup & League.
John O’Meara was club captain that season, he was injured early in the campaign and vice captain Gerald Reidy took over but he also missed the final. Up stepped Cola, in more ways than one as he led the team on the day, and kicked the penalty in a 3-0 victory over Sunday’s Well. What was unique was the fact that Dolphin lifted the cup without scoring a try. Another bother Butch was in the senior squad that year as well.
In 1977-78 he became the 3rd member of the family to become President.
A great character, he will be missed by all, 2018 has not been a great year for Dolphin, losing two honorary life members Burr Murphy passing away over the summer.
Our deepest condolences go to his family, his wife Anne, sons Brendan, Barry, Norman & Conor