Rugby club raise €2k to go towards funeral costs
By Mary Dennehy
A LOCAL family has this week expressed its thanks to the members of Tallaght Rugby Club, which united in support during a recent bereavement.
Living in Raheen, Wayne Stewart’s father Paul passed away on April 11, at the age of 48.
Wayne Stewart (front row, fourth from left) is pictured with the Tallaght Rugby team
Wayne, who is 27, told The Echo how Tallaght Rugby Club members united to raise €2,000 for the young family after the sudden passing of dad Paul.
This week, Wayne and his mam Jacqueline and younger siblings Patrick (22) and Chloe (16) have issued a heartfelt ‘thank you’ to club members for its support and friendship.
“We just couldn’t believe it, we are extremely gratious”, Wayne told The Echo.
“Everyone in the family is really grateful, Tallaght Rugby Club is not a big club but this is a big deal.
“In essence these lads are like a family to me after this.”
Wayne stressed how this act of ‘incredible generosity’ shows how local clubs are communities within themselves, providing support to members all year-round.
The money fundraised for the family by club members will help towards funeral costs and a memorial gathering when the current restrictions are lifted, Wayne told The Echo.
Based on the Firhouse Road, Tallaght RFC has more than 150 members who play across a number of teams including men’s, women’s, under 18’s, under 16’s and a mixed junior squad.
Despite the rugby season being cut short, the senior men’s team was again promoted this year.
Speaking with The Echo, Alan Tyrrell, club chairman, said: “All the way through our minis, youths and adults, Tallaght Rugby Club prides itself on being very much a community based club and we consider all members to be part of the Tallaght RFC family.
“Wayne is very much part of that from when he started playing over 10 years ago at the age of 16.
“The Tallaght RFC players feel strongly about supporting Wayne and his family in anyway they can.
“On behalf of Tallaght RFC and its members I would again offer our deepest condolences to Wayne and his family.”
Tallaght RFC is always open to new members, visit Tallaght Rugby for more.
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