Brixham Rugby Club stalwart Danny Irvine dies
DEVON rugby has suffered a sad loss with the death of Brixham stalwart Danny Irvine.
Mr Irvine, who was in his 80s, died in hospital in Brixham on Tuesday afternoon with his family at his side, writes Conrad Sutcliffe.
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Danny Irvine
His association with the Fishermen started in the 1950s as a player and continued right up to his death.
Mr Irvine served Brixham as fixture secretary, secretary and president after his playing days ended.
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He was a league secretary for the Devon Division and served for two years (2002-04) on the Devon RFU committee.
Sons Sean (83-90) and James (1995) both represented Devon in the County Championship.
You can leave your own tributes to Danny Irvine in the Comments panel below this story
Mr Irvine, who served in the Royal Navy and was Dartmouth harbourmaster when he returned to Civvy Street, had been battling cancer for a number of years.
He was given the last rites on Monday and died shortly after 1pm yesterday.
The first tribute to Mr Irvine came from Brixham chairman Chris Forster, who said: “He was Mr Brixham in the eyes of the rugby community – and had been for a number of years.
“Over the years Danny filled various positions at the club and he will leave a gaping hole at the club.
“Hundreds and hundreds of young men over the years have passed through Brixham RFC under Danny’s guidance.
“The debt of gratitude the club owes to Danny Irvine is immense.
“Our love, our thoughts and our prayers are with Danny’s wife Anne and his family at this devastating time.”
Comments
by wenfierice
Sunday, March 03 2013, 11:32AM
“From Arthur Rice, Exmouth.
I only learned of the sad news about Danny when attending our game with Brixham on Saturday. Knowing him since playing with him in the fifties when he was in the Navy, I always admired his enthusiasm for rugby and his outgoing and friendly nature.
He was the same man I knew when our wives chatted together at Brixham, ever ready to talk rugby. His spirit never waned, although it was obvious that his health was failing.
I last saw him at Exmouth where his wheelchair was lifted into the grandstand for the Cup Match.
God speed Danny, my old mate. One of a few Brixham men I have had the pleasure of knowing.
Condolences to the family.
Arthur and Wendy Rice.”
by ultrasonic999
Wednesday, December 12 2012, 9:29AM
“RIP MY THOUGHTS ARE WITH THE FAMILY AND ALL THOSE WHO KNEW SUCH AN INCREADIBLE MAN.”
by KevinShuker
Wednesday, December 12 2012, 1:39AM
“Danny was a great Brixham Man...
I was 14 when I first started playing at Brixham RFC [1974]. Sean introduced me to his Dad, a man my father had played with many years before, his big smile welcomed me to the club. It felt like home, and made me proud to represent Brixham. I remember well his barking encouragement from the sidelines and his bruising love of Brixham Rugby. His dedication and passion for the game was an inspiration to myself, and his dedication to Brixham Rugby will be forever in my heart.
Thanks Danny for all the memories, for the tap on the shoulder, to tell me where i should be running, a whisper in my ear explaining how to lead a team, and your big smile holding a pint and singing along with us all.
You will be missed.
My deepest condolences to Ann, Sean, James and all the family.
Kevin Shuker”
by The Watermans Arms Country Inn
Tuesday, December 11 2012, 9:18PM
“Condolences to the Irvine family”
by The Watermans Arms Country Inn
Tuesday, December 11 2012, 9:18PM
“Condolences to the Irvine family”
by griff63
Tuesday, December 11 2012, 8:48PM
“He may have been the bane of my life when I was younger, it didn't help living just down the road from him in those days, but I have so much to thank him for in terms of my involvement in rugby. He will be greatly missed and was a fantastic servant to the club, the town and to rugby in general. Our thoughts are with Ann, Sean, James and all the family. Ian & Dee Griffin”
by pete_phelps
Tuesday, December 11 2012, 6:20PM
“He was a smashing guy who always made us very welcome when we visited Brixham Rugby Club.
I am sure he will be greatly missed.
Peter Phelps
Chairman St Mary's Old Boys RFC
Bristol”
by mike_morey9
Tuesday, December 11 2012, 4:27PM
“Good old Danny. Played with him on occassions....he refereed us on occassions....he fitted us out with rugby shirts on occassions....and he' been active ever since. Our thoughts go out to Ann and family.”
by BuddytheElf
Tuesday, December 11 2012, 2:57PM
“This is very sad news for anyone with any connection to Brixham, and not just to the rugby club.”