Drumpellier Rugby Club will host a dinner in memory of their highly revered former president, Jimmy Dempsey
Former members are organising this year’s charity dinner in memory of Jimmy who sadly passed away earlier this year.
The event, which will be hosted at Coatbridge’s Georgian Hotel on Friday, April 29, is being organised by club member Bob Sloan and will include speaker and Stirling County, Caledonian Reds and Glasgow rugby star Kevin McKenzie.
Kevin gained 14 caps for Scotland and all proceeds from the meal will be donated to Coatbridge food bank.
Bob told Lanarkshire Live : “Jimmy was a teacher at St Ambrose High and his late father was Coatbridge MP, James Demspey Snr.
“In 2020 we celebrated 70 years of playing rugby in Coatbridge so we decided to have the dinner in memory of Jimmy who did a tremendous amount of work for Coatbridge food bank.
“He was always there for local people and dedicated himself to volunteering for people in the community. He was a phenomenal character.
“We are hoping to raise between £500 and £600 for Coatbridge food bank."
The charity dinner will also include a prize raffle with local timber merchants Gavin Shanks and Sons having donated prizes for the event.
Other local businesses have donated a fire pit, signed autographs, a rugby top and dinner at Coatbridge’s Georgian Hotel.
In memory of his dad, son David told us : “Jimmy Dempsey was a man committed to supporting the community.
“As a local school teacher he touched many lives, working with families to inspire students to succeed both socially and academically.
“A great supporter of local rugby, he worked in collaboration with schools in Coatbridge and Airdrie to engage with club activities, and give them the experience of being part of a team and the sense of being part of a wider community.
“After retiring he continued to be active.
"Recognising the financial and social challenges facing families, he worked hard to establish Coatbridge community foodbank, using his extensive local connections to generate donations he sought to provide to people in crisis.”
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