- Date of Birth20 / 11 / 1946
- Lions Tours1974
- International CapsIreland
- Lions Origin SchoolsRoyal School Dungannon
- Lions Origin ClubsDungannon, Ulster, Barbarians, London Irish
Stewart McKinney was notorious for his no-nonsense approach to rugby when he was winning his 25 Irish caps and playing for the Lions in South Africa on their all-conquering Tour in 1974.
While McKinney was unable to get a place in the Test side in South Africa, he still holds a very special place in the hearts and minds of his 1974 teammates for one vital contribution to the success of the tour.
Willie John McBride’s side won the first 21 of their 22 matches, including three tests, before drawing with the Springboks in their final outing. But their unbeaten record could have been lost in the game against Orange Free State had it not been for a penalty goal kicked by McKinney in the 11-9 victory.
McKinney went on to play eight Tour matches in total and is the author of popular Lions book ‘Roars from the Back of the Bus’.