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News > General News > Old Campbellian Sporting Greats Prove Age is Just a Number

Old Campbellian Sporting Greats Prove Age is Just a Number

It was a pleasure to welcome Jimmy McKelvey (3126) and Freddy Murray (12363), the oldest and youngest living OC Sporting Greats, back to the College recently.
13 Feb 2026
Written by Rachel Webb
General News
Jimmy showing Freddy the cap awarded for his two rugby Test match appearances for Ireland in 1956
Jimmy showing Freddy the cap awarded for his two rugby Test match appearances for Ireland in 1956

As part of the redevelopment of Campbell's indoor sports facilities, the Old Campbellian Society researched and installed three OC Sporting Greats boards, honouring the many sporting legends who have passed through the College since 1894. Situated along the corridor leading to Fox's Field, the boards cover archery, cricket, golf, tennis, squash, hockey, motor racing, rugby, shooting and swimming, as well as honouring those who competed at the Olympic and Commonwealth Games. 

Headmaster Jonathan Anderson was delighted to welcome Jimmy McKelvey (3126) and Freddy Murray (12363), the oldest and youngest living OC Sporting Greats, to view their respective entries on the boards. Jimmy and Freddy embody the two opposite ends of Campbell College’s sporting legacy. Side by side, they show how Campbell continues to produce remarkable athletes. Jonathan also extended his thanks to the OCS for installing the boards, and to Raymond Brown and Julie Brown (7062) in particular, for conducting extensive research into the board entries. 

Jimmy McKelvey entered Campbell in 1943 via Cabin Hill, first as a day boy but later as a boarder. In Senior School, he played rugby for the first XV from 1949 to 1951 and was part of the 1950 Ulster Schools Cup winning team. During that time he also played for Ulster Schools. Demonstrating his athletic versatility, he played cricket for the first XI from 1948 to 1951 and played for Ulster Schools and Irish Schools. He went on to study Medicine at Queen's University, where his sporting achievements continued. He became a double International - playing cricket for Ireland twice in 1954, and competing in two rugby Test matches for Ireland in the 1956 Five Nations Championship. When injury ended his playing career prematurely, Jimmy continued in rugby administration, becoming Irish University selector between 1967 and 1984 and President from 1986 to 1988, and Ulster selector between 1979 and 1983 and President of Ulster Rugby from 1984 to 1985.

Freddy Murray entered the College more recently in 2019. His love of tennis began early in life and he reached the number one ranking in both Ulster and Tennis Ireland at U12 boys level. He was also a versatile athlete during his time at Campbell College, competing in various sports such as hockey, cricket, cross-country, and football. His tennis team achieved multiple victories in the Ulster Schools Cup, and Freddy earned both school colours and major school colours for his achievements in tennis. After school, he represented Team Ireland in the Davis Cup in September 2023, was subsequently selected for the 2024 tie in Tunisia, and played Davis Cup again in 2025. Freddy is currently a College Tennis Athlete at the Middle Tennessee State University in Murfreesboro, where he is pursuing a four-year degree in Business and Economics. With his first ATP point secured and more milestones in sight, Freddy is eager to continue competing and improving his rankings. His ultimate goal is to turn professional and make his mark on the ATP circuit.

For more photos of this memorable day, please see the gallery below.

 

 

Photo gallery

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