The Rugby History Society

He was born on 25^th January 1867 in Belfast the son of Dalway Bell Walkington and Anna Maria (nee Bell ). He was educated at Harrogate, Dulwich, & Methodist (B’fast) College’s and Dublin University . He played rugby for NIFC and Ulster .

His brother, Robert Walkington, was an Irish international player before him, and later became the President of the Irish Rugby Union. The brothers never represented Ireland together, Robert playing between 1875 and 1881, and Dolway from 1887 until 1891.

He married Maria Britten on 23^rd August 1870 in Camberwell, London .

He played eight times for Ireland . Although captaining Ireland twice, he is more often remembered for his poor eyesight and the fact that he occasionally wore a monocle while playing, removing it when required to make a tackle. He scored Ireland ’s first ever drop goal against Wales in 1891. He captained Ireland against England and Scotland in 1891.

The matches he played for Ireland were

Above the Ireland side that played and beat England on 5^th February 1887. Standing (L-R): W.L.Stokes (President), J.S.Dick, C.B.Tillie, T.R.Lyle, H.J.Neill, V.C.Le Fanu, R.Stevenson. Seated: D.F.Rambaut, D.B.Walkington, J.Chambers, R.G.Warren (Captain), E.J.Walsh, J.H.McLaughlin, J.Johnston. On Ground: John Macaolay, R.S.Montgomery.

Dolway was the Ulster Branch President in 1893-’94.

He practiced as a Solicitor.

Walkington was described as "one of the best fullbacks produced by Ireland before the turn of the century", but only in bright conditions. His poor eyesight hindered him as the light failed when "his delicate sight tells terribly against him".

He died on 18^th April 1926 in Belfast .

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