01-07-2025
Tributes to 1976 Pirates cup winner Graham 'Granite' Waters
Many in West Cornwall and beyond will be saddened to hear that Graham 'Granite' Waters passed away during the weekend aged 76, writes Phil Westren.
Graham was hugely respected and liked by all in the rugby fraternity who were fortunate to have met him. Straight talking, honest, and strong – the acquired nickname 'Granite' fitted him perfectly – he was also a gentleman.
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After education at Cape Cornwall School, where he came under the tutelage of Derek Small, Graham's early rugby was played at St Just. Then, at the start of the 1974/75 season, following encouragement from Colin Dymond, he ventured into the Mennaye Field to play for Penzance & Newlyn RFC.
Although only 6' 1", which is short for a lock forward, at 15 and a half stones, Graham was still a formidable figure who quickly became a 1st XV regular.
He made 41 appearances in that first season and would overall wear the Pirates colours on 296 occasions, after which he returned to St Just where he also became a committee member.
Tributes have been paid to Graham 'Granite' WatersA highlight during his years at the Pirates was when, in 1976, the team won the then prestigious Cornwall KO Cup competition for the first time. The final, played at Camborne, was a crunching, nerve tingling affair, with second-row forward Graham playing his part in a memorable 4-3 win against favourites Redruth.
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Many about will also remember that back in 1988, and after he had retired from playing, Graham completed his epic 900 miles walk from John O'Groats to Land's End to help raise monies for both the Pirates and for the Cancer & Leukaemia in Childhood Trust (CLIC). Graham was accompanied on the walk by Richard Brighton and Adam Dorey, who took turns to drive a back-up van, besides also walking.
A retired builder, in the latter part of his life Graham lived in Heamoor, where in recent years health issues became increasingly debilitating, and after a recent short spell at Benoni Nursing Home at St Just, he died at the Royal Cornwall Hospital, Treliske.
Details of Graham's funeral will be made known as soon as they have been confirmed, whilst in the meantime sincere condolences are expressed to his family.
