Edmund Dore (1879–1964) – Irish‑born Australian rugby union hooker, Queensland police sergeant, and sugarcane farmer.

Early life

Edmund Dore was born on 9 November 1879 in Shanagolden, County Limerick, Ireland to Robert John and Sarah Creagan Dore. His family emigrated to Queensland in 1880 and settled in Rockhampton before moving to Brisbane. He attended St Joseph's College, Gregory Terrace where he began playing rugby for the school team and later for North Brisbane club. His younger brother, Michael Dore, also became a notable rugby player and a pioneer of rugby league in Queensland.

Rugby career

Dore debuted for Queensland in 1904 and was selected for the Australia national rugby union team. He played as a hooker in the first Test against the touring British side on 2 July 1904 in Sydney, earning his sole international cap. The match ended 17–0 to the visitors. Dore’s performance was noted for his hard‑working forward play and agility. He continued to represent Queensland throughout the 1904 season.

Police service and later life

Following a back injury sustained during his international appearance, Dore joined the Queensland Police Service in 1903. Records show he was sworn on 2 July 1903 and served in numerous postings including Charters Towers, Townsville, Cardwell, Mirani, Cordalba, Tully, Innisfail, Mt Isa and finally at Petrie Terrace Barracks in Brisbane, retiring as a sergeant on 8 August 1935. He married Annie Guerin in Townsville on 13 April 1910; the couple had several children, including Basil and Mary Therese, documented in contemporary newspaper notices.

After retirement Dore took up sugarcane farming near Euramo/Tully, remaining active in the local community until his death in Cairns on 3 September 1964. He is buried at Martyn Street Cemetery in Cairns.

Legacy and commemoration

Dore is honoured by the "Eddie Dore Field" at his alma mater St Joseph's College, Gregory Terrace and by the Edmund Dore Bridge over the Murray River at Tully. His life illustrates early Australian rugby history and the contribution of Irish immigrants to Queensland’s public service and agricultural development.

Sources: Classic Wallabies, Wikipedia, Queensland Police Service – Book of Names 1864‑1974, Trove – The Evening Advocate (1945), Trove – Townsville Daily Bulletin (1943), Find a Grave.