Cliff Fairley

Over the 90-years of the Club’s existence, there have been many people who have volunteered their time but there are few that have worked for so long and so tirelessly for the Club than Cliff.

In 1973 a trip to visit family friends Simon and Anne Blumlein convinced Cliff and wife Judy to move to Petersfield and it wasn’t long before he walked into the back bar of the Red Lion – at that time the PRFC clubhouse – and signed up to play.

Cliff played for the 2nd & 3rd XV between 1975 & 85, Captaining the 3rd XV between 1981 & 84. Once his playing days were over he became a full time alickadoo, acting as Club Chairman between 1981 – 91 and President from 2004 to 2008. Among his achievements during his reign were the construction of the clubhouse when Chairman and the changing block extension when President. His administration skills were not just saved for Petersfield and he made his mark in Hampshire too.

Even when not in a formal role, Cliff was a fantastic ambassador for the Club undertaking many unsung duties such as providing a vital link between the Club and its older members. He was an ever present at matches and could usually be seen on the touchline through the good times and bad and in all weathers!

Cliff’s dedication to the Club was recognised in 2013 when he became the first recipient of the Petersfield RFC Lifetime Achievement Award.

Born in Clontarf, Dublin, Cliff moved to Cork when he finished his education where he played prop forward for Cork Constitution RFC (1955 – 1962), going on to captain the side, also turning out for the Munster 2nd XV.

In 1962 Cliff moved to England, playing for Sutton & Epsom RFC from 1962 to 1966, during which time he met and married Judy in 1965.

It wasn’t just in rugby that Cliff had a talent, he played cricket for Cork County and Steep and was a keen member at Petersfield golf club.

Cliff will be missed by all at the Club and our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends at this sad time.

Updated 22:40 - 31 Aug 2019 by Paul Harrington