Senior hockey player, 31, dies suddenly on pitch

CORK Church of Ireland senior men’s player/coach, Andrew Chambers, died suddenly on Saturday.

The 31-year-old collapsed on the pitch at Garryduff in Rochestown, Cork prior to his team’s Irish Senior Cup clash with Kilkeel on Saturday, and could not be revived. The cause of his death is not yet known.

Former Cork C of I president, Mervyn Kerr, yesterday said club members and the hockey public “were shocked and saddened” by the news.

“Andy had a great interest in C of I hockey and was always very willing in supporting many functions within the club,” he said.

“He was a much-liked and committed club man, a much-decorated sportsman, and will be greatly missed by all.

“Our prayers and thoughts are with Andy’s partner Kathryn and son Mathias, parents Tom and Gwen, brother Philip and sisters Susan, Mandy and Jennifer and extended family.”

Pat Sargent, president of the Munster Branch of the Irish Hockey Association yesterday said everyone connected with hockey was “devastated” by the news.

“Andy died doing something he loved; it might not mean much to his family now, but perhaps it may eventually be some little consolation to them.

“C of I couldn’t have done any more to save him; there were people present with medical training, and they had a defibrillator in the clubhouse. It might be a wake-up call that every club needs to have such facilities. I know it didn’t save Andy, but it could save someone else.”

Mr Chambers represented Munster and won an Irish Senior Cup and All-Ireland Club Championships, as well as 23 trophies.

A book of condolences will be opened at C of I’s Garryduff clubhouse tomorrow.