John Philbin | 1935-2009 |

  John Philbin | A great fellow who will be sadly missed.

It is my sad duty to pass on to you the announcement of the sudden death of John Philbin, John died last night age 74.

John started his rugby days at the then Cheadle Hulme rugby club which subsequently joined forces with Manchester and played for many years in the front row and later became the secretary of Manchester Rugby Club.

When Knutsford started John was one of the first social members to join and he became a keen spectator and supporter and was always to be seen on the touch line smartly dressed with jacket and club tie, notebook in hand recording the scores and details of the game.

Some 3 years ago he became our fixture secretary a job he undertook with pride and enthusiasm until ill health curbed his activities. John was superb at being a host in the post match celebrations, making a particular point of chatting to the referee and the visitors from the opposing team.

He was very much part of the club and his infectious enthusiasm for all things rugby will be very much missed by us all.

A Requiem Mass will be held at St Vincent's Church 11am Friday 29 May later at Altrincham Crematorium 12.30pm and afterwards refreshments at his daughter's home Richard and Lisa Haknell, Hollins Farm, Hermitage Lane, Goostrey. All Knutsford Rugby Club members are invited to come along.

Colin Hurrell 15th May 2009