To assist with car parking and catering arrangements If you are planning to attend the funeral and the wake could you please confirm your attendance via events@teddingtonrfc.co.uk

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It is with great sadness to announce the death of our dear friend and club Vice President Brian DONNELLY

Brian died suddenly at home last Saturday evening, he was 52 years old.

Brian and his partner Cath and their two sons Patrick and Ciaran arrived at the club some 20 years ago and from day one the whole family immersed themselves in all things Antlers. Whilst Patrick and Ciaran forged their way through the minis, juniors and into the seniors Brian and Cath supported them like all parents, but in their case they wanted to do something more tangible for their boys and for the club. Brian coached the kids in the minis, he team managed in the juniors, he was a first aider and referee. Brian also started playing a bit of rugby himself, initially for the Dads teams on the minis tours and then for the Mens 3rd XV and 2nd XV. Like in his life on the pitch Brian was a reliable and steadfast cornerstone of any Antlers front row he played in. He didn’t set the world alight with quick feet, fast hands and blistering speed, but he’d happily roll up his sleeves and graft away scrummaging and doing the unseen dirty work at the coal face week in and week out.

As the boys moved from minis into junior rugby and Brians playing days came to an end he and Cath offered their services as bar staff behind the club bar on a Sunday lunchtime. Possibly because of his Irish heritage Brian took to working behind the bar like a fish to water and he soon became our go to barman and duty manager for all club events. He even turned his hand to cooking the players after match meals and did the catering for midweek school matches. Brian had become an indispensable, respected and much loved part of the club and in 2017 his contribution to the club was commemorated when he was inducted as a Club Vice President. Brian was a thoroughly decent man and we were blessed to have him as part of The Antlers family. He will be sorely missed by everyone connected to the club and our thoughts and prayers are with Cath, Ciaran, Patrick and their family at this sad time.

Details of Brians funeral will be posted here on the club website in due course. In the meantime if you require any further information please contact Gareth CROSS via rugby@teddingtonrfc.co.uk