Brave rugby player’s organs to be donated

STUART MANGAN, the 26-year-old Corkman left paralysed by a freak rugby accident who died at the weekend, has requested that his organs be donated to save the lives of others.

The rugby world was shocked yesterday to learn of the death of Stuart from Fermoy, Co Cork, who bravely fought to rebuild his life after suffering a debilitating spinal injury while playing a club match in London in April 2008.

Stuart was admitted to St Mary’s Hospital in Paddington last Thursday after suffering respiratory problems at his home in London, which was later diagnosed as pneumonia. He died peacefully on Friday in the presence of his parents, Brian and Una and his three brothers, Keith, John and Barry.

The former Rockwell College and UCC student became widely known in rugby circles and beyond as a result of the appeal established in his name by family and friends in 2008 to raise money to allow him to continue an independent lifestyle.

Since his injury, Stuart had moved into a specially adapted apartment in Notting Hill, London where he was provided with round-the-clock care by his parents and carers.

Dozens of fundraising events have been held around Ireland and abroad in the past year to help the popular sportsman who was wheelchair-bound as a result of his accident. Many leading past and present rugby stars lent their support to such events which attracted huge support from people who were captivated by Stuart’s courage and optimism.

The campaign was bolstered by stars becoming patrons of the appeal including Ronan O’Gara, Paul O’Connell, Denis Leamy, Mick Galwey and Peter Clohessy as well as foreign internationals like England’s Lawrence Dallaglio, France’s Raphael Ibanez and All Black, Dan Carter. Other sportsmen to lend their support included golfer, Padraig Harrington and jockeys, Ruby Walsh and Adrian Maguire.

It was revealed yesterday that it was one of Stuart’s dying wishes that his organs be donated for the benefit of other people in need of transplants.

It is believed he contracted pneumonia as a complication of the spinal fracture he suffered while playing for his club, Fulham & Hammersmith.

Stuart’s surgeon Dr Fred Middleton described his spinal injury as “the worst type”, as it prevented any voluntary movement of the limbs, while also affecting the muscles used in breathing.

In a statement published on the website of the Stuart Mangan Appeal, his family thanked all those who had supported them during the past 16 months especially his doctors, nurses and carers. They described the kindness and generosity shown by people as “simply amazing”.

“During his short life Stuart showed incredible energy, enthusiasm and love for people. Since his accident he has inspired many with his courage and greatly increased his circle of friends. In this way he has left us all a great legacy,” read the family statement.

They also revealed that a decision will be taken in the near future as how best to honour Stuart’s memory. It is understood that the unspent funds collected to date as part of the campaign to raise €2 million for Stuart will be used towards creating some way of honouring his bravery.

Meanwhile, the world of rugby yesterday paid tributes to the former scrum half.

Lions and Munster captain Paul O’Connell said the Fermoy player had captivated everyone he met through his positive outlook on life. “We were in contact with each other by text after all the Munster matches and most recently after the Lions tests,” said O’Connell.

He also recalled his admiration for how the former Rockwell and UCC student dealt with his injuries. “Stuart’s is an incredible story. Anyone who knew him spoke of how positive he was and what a great guy he was. It explains why so many people were so enthusiastic about helping with the appeal. Stuart was just a massive inspiration to anyone in adversity and he will be a big loss,” said O’Connell.

Former Irish and Munster star, Mick Galwey, who met Stuart in Fermoy and London spoke about the “honour and privilege” he felt about their friendship.

“Despite his circumstances, what struck you about Stuart is how positive and upbeat he was. He has left a great legacy as an inspiration to anyone who suffers a serious sports injury in the way he spoke so openly and publicly about his situation.”

“Unfortunately, there are many people like Stuart who have such injuries but there was something special about him which is probably why so many people came out to give him such amazing support. You would get a warm feeling from Stuart the moment you would meet him and I’m sure that’s what most people felt,” said Galwey who took part in a recent golf classic to raise funds for the appeal.

The former international also paid tribute to Stuart’s parents and family for the care and attention they gave him following his life-changing injury. “Stuart’s death is heartbreaking for the Mangan family but they should have no regrets as they could not have done more for him,” said Galwey.

Former Munster hooker, Frankie Sheahan, who was also involved in fundraising for the appeal said Stuart’s family should be proud of his achievements.

“This should be a celebration of the way he touched everybody and the hope he gave. He achieved more than any other person would in two lifetimes. He was an inspiration. You should all be so proud,” remarked Sheahan.

Tony Smith, games master at Rockwell College near Cashel, Co Tipperary, recalled Stuart as “a very good student both sporting and academically”.

Stuart had been a member of Rockwell’s Munster Senior Cup winning team of 2001 but was over age to play in the 2002 competition while still attending the college.

“Despite not being eligible to play, he remained very involved in coaching and refereeing rugby which showed what an outstanding young man he was,” said Mr, Smith who said he last met Stuart during a visit to Rockwell this summer.

Irish rugby legend Keith Wood, who was due to host a major fundraising event in aid of Stuart in October, said meeting the Fermoy man had inspired him to get involved in the charity.

The Munster Rugby Supporters Club (MRSC) said it had learnt with sadness of Stuart’s death and expressed the club’s sympathy to his family and friends.

In a statement, the MRSC stated: “Stuart lived his life with inspiration and vigour following a horrendous injury playing rugby.”

Fr Aquin Casey, parish priest in Fermoy, said Stuart would be fondly remembered by everyone in the north Cork region as a person who had “made the most of life”.