Historic Logan-Duffy Rifle Match Binds Massachusetts and New York “Irish Regiments” at Norwood Armory—October 12, 1964

There was more than a touch of the blarney at the Norwood Armory Saturday night as members of Norwood’s 101st Infantry and New York’s 165th Infantry gathered to celebrate the annual renewal of the storied Logan-Duffy Rifle Match.

The festivities marked another chapter in a legendary rivalry dating back to the Civil War, when both historic “Irish Regiments”—composed predominantly of Irish immigrants—fought side by side. The 101st is a proud component of Massachusetts’ 26th Infantry Division (the famed “Yankee Division”), while the 165th represents New York’s 69th Infantry Division, the legendary “Fighting Sixty-Ninth.”

Tradition, Competition, and Camaraderie

While the daytime rifle competition took place at the National Guard’s Camp Curtis Guild in Wakefield, Saturday night’s celebration at the Norwood Armory was all about pageantry and brotherhood. The hall was decked out in traditional green, white, and gold, complete with a live bagpipe performance by four members of Quincy’s Kevin Barry Pipers Band.

A host of high-ranking military dignitaries graced the head table, including:

• Brig. Gen. Lawrence F. Carew, commanding general of Camp Curtis Guild
• Col. Edward F. Logan, chief of staff of the 26th Infantry “Yankee Division”
• Lt. Col. William Ryan, commanding officer of the Norwood 101st Infantry
• Lt. Col. Robert Klaus and Lt. Col. Domenic Pellicio of the 165th Infantry

Despite the competitive nature of the marksmanship contest, the spirit of camaraderie overshadowed the final score. Embodying that fellowship was the evening’s traditional toast: officers poured a mixture of Irish whiskey and champagne directly into the five-gallon silver Logan-Duffy Trophy bowl.

Sgt. Maj. Robert Bergin of the New York 165th poured the inaugural drink for Capt. Peter Connor, leader of the defeated Norwood rifle team.

History of the Logan-Duffy Trophy

The annual rifle match originated in 1936 when Maj. Gen. Francis V. Logan (then commanding general of the Massachusetts National Guard’s 101st Infantry) and Maj. Gen. Alexander E. Anderson (commanding the 165th) conceived the idea to honor two former regiment commanders: Lawrence J. Logan and Edward Duffy, who led the units during the Spanish-American War.

Handcrafted by the Reed and Barton Silversmiths of Taunton, the magnificent trophy is valued at $2,500. Though jointly owned, the rules dictate that the winning regiment retains actual possession of the massive bowl for the year.

After New York claimed victory this year—successfully defending the trophy they recaptured last year—the gleaming silver bowl headed back to New York for another twelve months.

Reflecting on the weekend’s festivities, Lt. Col. Domenic Pellicio offered a parting sentiment that captured the prevailing mood: “I only hope that when you come to New York next year, we can be half the hosts you have been to us… When we go to New York next year we will bring that spirit of good will with us, but we’re going to bring that trophy back.”

Archival Note: This article has been dynamically reconstructed from the original public record print archives of the Patriot Ledger