TRIBUTES ARE BEING paid today to Pat Geraghty, the former media and communications manager for both Munster and Leinster Rugby.
After a long battle with illness, the Kildare native has died at the age of 62.
Munster expressed “great sadness” at the passing of Geraghty, who worked for the province from 2000 until 2013, having previously spent a decade in the role with Leinster.
“A hugely popular member of the Munster backroom team, for over a decade he was an ever-present figure in the province’s greatest successes including Celtic Cup and League wins in ’03 and ’05, Heineken Cup success in ’06 and ’08, and Magners League titles in ’09 and ’11,” reads a statement issued by Munster this afternoon.
When his time with Munster concluded, Geraghty returned to North Kildare Rugby Club, where he served as director of rugby.
In a statement posted on their Facebook page, the club said: “Pat achieved great success in the rugby world but most importantly, was a true gentleman, a great friend and will forever be remembered at The Maws.”
The extent of the tributes which have been paid to Geraghty from the Irish rugby community today is a reflection of his popularity and the esteem in which he was held.
Former Munster hooker Frankie Sheahan tweeted that Geraghty was a “legend off the pitch”, while ex-Munster forwards coach Laurie Fisher described him as “a wonderful person, the quintessential Irishman”.
Sad news today with the passing of our Director of Rugby & @NKRFC legend Pat Geraghty. Everyone's thoughts are with Kathy, Sarah & Mary-Kate pic.twitter.com/hDVaLdzSGt
— North Kildare RFC (@NKRFC) September 19, 2017
Sad to hear of the passing of @patgeraghty54 - our thoughts & prayers are with his family at this time. Rest In Peace pic.twitter.com/KMFjt4ZRzD
— Irish Rugby (@IrishRugby) September 19, 2017
Really sad news about @patgeraghty54 who passsed today. Munster had legends on and off the field and he was a legend off it ! RIP Pat
— Frankie Sheahan (@FrankieSheahan) September 19, 2017
So sad to hear the passing of Pat Geraghty. Such a wonderful person, the quintessential Irishman. One of the great characters @Munsterrugby
— Laurie Fisher (@LordLaurie58) September 19, 2017
Very sad to hear of the passing of the great @patgeraghty54 absolute gent of a man. Huge part of @Munsterrugby over the years #RIP
— James Downey (@jamesdowney23) September 19, 2017
Saddened by Pat Geraghty's death, RIP.
— Alan English (@AlanEnglish9) September 19, 2017
Story here from my book Our Road to Glory which kind of sums up what he brought to Munster's set-up pic.twitter.com/HEr7flqN1j
Saddened to hear this news earlier. Pat became a friend over many years. Deepest sympathy to Kathy, Sarah and Mary-Kate @Limerick_Leader https://t.co/eNGoYjuxVD
— Michael Corcoran (@MichaelC_RTE) September 19, 2017