03/11/2020
Ronnie Maher - RIP
It is with enormous sadness we announce the untimely passing of Ronnie Maher, our Vice President.
Ronnie was a member of the club for over 40 years, serving as a player, coach, referee, administrator, photographer, Director of Rugby and ultimately President. His rugby knowledge was second to none and the passion and commitment he brought to every role he filled in the club was a standard bearer to all those around him.
Ronnie’s passion for Suttonians was such that there is no doubt that both our men’s and women’s teams would not be where they are without his time, effort and commitment. Always present in the club for training and games he ensured the players were looked after and their efforts on the field were matched by his efforts on their behalf. He was the greatest supporter any team could have.
Even in the last few months while he was ill and rugby was restricted, he always wanted to know who was training, how was the “buzz”, how were certain players performing. His love for the club was second only to that for his family and to Wendy, Callum and Elysia, his mother Maeve, brother Fintan, sisters Olwen and Grainne and their extended families we extend our sincerest sympathies. In recent years Ronnie was especially delighted to see his nephews Fionn and Rory join the club and follow in his and his brother’s footsteps, it had echoes of him bringing Callum and Elysia down, as his father had with him many years earlier.
I could fill pages with my memories of Ronnie, he was a dear friend, always great company, occasionally argumentative with a glint in his eye, whether on the side of a pitch, on a golf course or holding the world to rights with a long-stemmed glass in his hand.. I was proud to call him my friend but he wasn’t just a friend to me, he was a friend to all of us.
Gordon Linehan
President
Suttonians RFC 2020/21
https://rip.ie/death-notice/r.j.-ron-maher-portmarnock-dublin/438194
