Widnes Vikings: Legends Mick Burke and Phil Cantillon donate : Thu Jul 02, 2009 12:10 pm
Widnes Vikings: Legends Mick Burke and Phil Cantillon donate memorabilia to Widnes Vikings Museum
Jul 2 2009 by Dave Bettley, Runcorn and Widnes Weekly News
WIDNES RL legends are providing a lasting legacy of their legendary exploits by donating memorabilia from their careers to Widnes Vikings Rugby League Museum.
Phil Cantillon, who broke records galore with club and country in the late 1990s and early 2000s, has handed over some of his trophies and clothing.
Meanwhile, stars of the Cup Kings era of the 1970s and 1980s – including prolific international full-back Mick Burke and winger Stuart Wright – are likewise lining up to provide the town with a permanent reminder of their redoubted skills.
Cantillon’s feats made him a cult figure with Vikings followers.
In consecutive seasons, 2001 and 2002, he broke the world record for most tries in a season by a hooker with 30 and then a forward (48). Later he was selected to play for England, runners-up in the World Sevens in Australia.
Cantillon went on to captain Ireland – the Wiganer qualifying to represent the emerald isle through grandparentage.
Deb Townsend from the Vikings museum at Stobart Stadium Halton was delighted to accept some of Cantillon’s most-prized possessions for posterity.
She said: “Phil initially donated two tankards, which were presented to him to commemorate his 30 tries in a season and seven tries in a match (against York in 2001), plus the man-of-the-match award he won in the 2001 NFP Grand Final.
“Last Monday, he further donated his 1999, 2000, 2001 player-of-the-year trophies along with his 2000 players’ player trophy and two tracksuit tops he had while representing England in the World Sevens and Ireland – both from 2003.”
Cantillon has offered to revisit the museum this Saturday (around 11am) to chat with any visitors.
“I mentioned to Phil that quite a few people were asking how he was doing and what he’s up to, so this gives everyone a chance to catch up with him,” added Townsend.
“It’s great when past players firstly have a look around the museum and then return with the items to loan or donate.
“Mick Burke has recently been in and has donated his Great Britain jersey from 1980 when he played in the second Test against New Zealand.
“Stuart Wright has also been into the museum. He is going to return with some items as well.”
