University Blues and Old Xavs have had a storied rivalry over many years, with a number of Xavier College’s alumni making the move to Uni Blues and playing key roles at the club.
In 2022, Justin Quill (Uni Blues) and Damien Berry (Old Xavs) worked together on the concept of a significant trophy to be contested between these two clubs – The Carmody Cup.
The Carmody Cup is named in honour of the contribution the Carmody family have made to both clubs, and specifically in honour of Dan Carmody who passed away in 2021.
John Carmody attended Xavier College and then went on to Melbourne University and Newman College. He commenced playing for Blues Under 19 in 1973 and then progressed to the seniors becoming vice-captain in 1976. Carmo played a total of 88 games for Blues between 1973 and 1978. He then switched to Old Xaverians and played a further 117 games including the Old Xaverians 1980 (B Grade) and 1981 (A Grade) premierships. A total in excess of 200 games of amateur football.
John’s son Dan also attended Xavier College and was school captain in 2004. Following in his father’s footsteps at Newman College and Melbourne University, Dan made his debut with the Blues Under 19s in 2005. Dan made his senior debut on a dreary afternoon against Old Melburnians on the Uni Main later that year and became a regular senior player over the years relishing opportunities to test himself against some of his old school mates at Old Xavs. Dan went on to play 116 games with the club and was a key member of the 2008 Reserves premiership and 2012 Thirds team.
Dan was also a regular participant representing Melbourne University at the Australian University Games and was Intervarsity Captain in 2007.
With Dan playing at Blues, John returned to the club in various voluntary roles including President of MUFC from 2012 to 2014 where he was instrumental in the re-development of the pavilion. John continues to be involved with the Blues on both Thursday nights and match days and is currently Director of Football. In 2014 John was made a Life Member of the Melbourne University Football Club.
It is n some ways remarkable that a young man who had the enormous honour of being School Captain of such a prestigious school as Xavier would play for a rival team post attendance at the school. For this reason, and Dan’s father’s role for both clubs, it is impossible to imagine a more fitting name to apply to the Cup Uni Blues and Xavs will play for.
The Carmody Cup is played once a year between Blues and Xavs alternating the home team. Round 18 of the 2022 season was the inaugural clash for the Carmody Cup.
2022 Xavs 15.13 Blues 8.6
Blues hosted the 2023 Cup then Xavs the 2024 version
2023 Blues 4.13 Xavs 11.8
2024 Xavs 20.17 Blues 5.8
Now it is the Blues turn in 2025.
