Ernie Crawford

Ernie Crawford was one of the Irish Free States’ (now the Republic of Ireland) six reserves for the 1924 Paris Olympics. Unlike the other five he did not stay at home, and travelled with the team to The Games. As a footballer Crawford played for Cliftonville, Bohemians, and Athlone Town. He was one of six Bohemian players to be selected for Paris 1924

Also a fine cricketer, Crawford was better known as a rugby player with Malone and Landsdowne RUFC, Crawford was regarded as one of Ireland’s best full-backs and won 30 international caps. He captained his country 15 times between 1920-27.

Crawford enlisted for service in World War I with the 6th Inniskilling Dragoons in 1914 before a posting to the London Regiment (Royal Fusiliers), and in 1917 he was promoted to lieutenant. Sady that year, his war service ended after being shot in the wrist. Remarkably he was able to continue playing rugby after the hostilities.

A chartered accountant and trained barrister, Crawford moved to Dublin in 1919 to work for the Rathmines Urban Council, and after his competitive sporting days returned to Belfast in 1933 to become the City treasurer, until his retirement in 1954. In 1932 Crawford was the first man from Britain or Ireland to be awarded the silver medal of honour by the French Ministry of Sport and Physical Education for his sporting contribution. He also featured on a Tongan postage stamp to celebrate worldwide rugby icons.