Rugby Club Mourns Stuart Mangan

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Mass for player injured playing in friendly match

Hammersmith and Fulham Rugby Football club has paid tribute to Stuart Mangan, who has died at the age of 26, 16 months after being injured while playing in a friendly match.  

On its website, Hammersmith and Fulham RFC says: " It is with great sadness that the Club has to announce the death of Stuart Mangan.  

" On 5th April 2008 Stuart injured his neck whilst playing fly half for the Club's Second XV in an end of season friendly. As a result of this injury, which is extremely rare, Stuart had no feeling below his neck and was on a ventilator.  

" Stuart started to suffer from a chest infection on Thursday 6th August 2009 and was admitted to St Mary's Hospital in London. He slipped in to a coma and passed away at 7pm on Friday 7th August 2009."  

The announcement continues: " Stuart was a remarkable person, who showed outstanding courage and determination in the the face of his injury. His positive attitude to everything that he did and his love of life makes him a credit to his family.

" Whoever met Stuart, either before or after his injury, could not fail to be impressed by his determination to live life to the full."  

A Mass is to be held on Tuesday August 11 in Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church at 41 Kensington Church Street, and the Club says all are welcome to attend.  

It will be followed by a Memorial Mass for Stuart in Dublin on August 12, and a Funeral Mass in his home town of Fermoy in Country Cork on August 14.

Donations in lieu of flowers can be given to the Irish Rugby Football Union Charitable Trust or the Rugby Football Union Injured Players Foundation.

For more information, email SMA@FulhamRugby.co.uk

August 11, 2009