'We will never see his likes again': Tributes pour in for 'a true Limerick rugby man'

TRIBUTES are pouring in for “a true Limerick rugby man” and former president of Shannon RFC, William (Bill) O’Shea, who has passed away at the age of 95.

Bill, who passed peacefully at University Hospital Limerick on October 19, surrounded by his loving family, has been described as “one of life’s true gentlemen” as mourners share their memories of him on RIP.ie.

Friends have spoken of his “long life filled with sport and family”.

Olivia O’Flanagan, the president of Shannon RFC, said: “On behalf of all at Shannon RFC, I would like to extend our deepest sympathies to David, Elaine, Niall, Karen, Billy & families on the sad loss of your father. A Shannon man to the core, he will be remembered fondly by all in Shannon as a player, coach, selector, President and our oldest member. Thinking of you all at this very difficult time. May Bill rest in peace.”

In a post on social media, Bill’s “beloved” Shannon RFC released a statement mourning their oldest club member.

“He embodied everything that makes a club special: a fierce loyalty, a genuine love of sport, a sharp sense of humour and an unwavering belief in the black and blue,” the statement read, adding that “few have given as much to Shannon RFC or achieved as much in its colours”

Rugby is a family affair for the O’Sheas, with Bill’s sons David, Niall and Billy also playing for Shannon’s senior team, winning numerous trophies and medals during their time in the black and blue. Bill’s daughters-in-law Carol and Anne represented Shannon RFC’s very first women’s team.

Bill’s grandson Greg represented Ireland at Under-20 and Sevens level and became Shannon’s first Olympian - and its first Love Island winner!

Bill was the beloved husband of the late Betty and the dearly loved father of David, Elaine, Niall, Karen and Billy. He will be sadly missed by his sons-in-law, daughters-in-law, his cherished 14 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren, nephews, nieces, extended family and friends.

Comment after comment on RIP.ie lovingly tease Bill’s “legendary” tendency to provide advice to onfield officials from the sidelines at rugby matches.

One mourner described him as “a referee assessor even before the word was invented”.

Another mourner shared: “Sincere condolences to David, Elaine, Niall, Karen and Billy on the death of your dear Dad, one who left his mark on the Rugby and many other sporting landscapes of Limerick and its environs. He was a constant terrace companion of mine over many years offering ‘discreet’ advice at many Shannon and Crescent Comp games that I was privileged to referee. I was always welcome in Bill’s company post game at which the rights and wrongs of many decisions were tossed around and either agreed upon, disagreed on or simply agreed to differ. He will be missed but most of all by those of you who were closest to him.”

One comment said: “No doubt he will be patrolling the sideline up in heaven!”

Rugby was far from the only sport in Bill’s life, having won county medals in both hurling and football with Treaty Sarsfields GAA, and going on to represent Limerick in both codes.

He was also a fan of the fairways and was a member of Limerick Golf Club. One mourner shared: “I have great memories of fun and laughter on the golf course with Billy.”

Shannon RFC’s statement added: “For all the medals, victories, honours and achievements, however, Bill will be remembered for much more than what he accomplished on the field.

“He will be remembered for the man he was, the laughs he shared, the honest opinions he offered and the unmistakable presence he brought to Shannon RFC.”

Mourners on RIP.ie share the sentiment, with people describing him as “an incredible man”, “one of life’s true gentlemen”, “larger than life”, and “one of the nicest people you could meet”.

One commenter said, “Billy was a great character, one of a kind and left his mark. I remember him fondly, a warm smile and glint in his eye were never far away,” while another described him as “One of the last standing irreplaceable Old Guard,” adding: “What a wonderful achievement to have lived such a long life, being loved and taking great pride from all his lovely extended family's achievements and celebrations.”

“Billy was a great role model, a knowledgeable sportsman and a wonderful mentor. He was always great company to be with,” one mourner said, with another commenting: “Uncle Bill was always very welcoming and enjoyable company to be in at social & family occasions. Someone who always had a word of encouragement and a genuine interest in what was going on in your life and always had positive words of encouragement.”

One comment paid tribute to “a best friend for over 60 years,” adding: “We travelled many roads together but always came home. Sleep well Bill, we will miss you. Rest in Peace.”

Past co-workers have shared the “great memories” of their time working with him at McMahon, McMahon and Hickey, especially at the Christmas office nights out, where Bill was described as “the life and soul of the party”!

Neighbours of his from Lansdowne Park, Ennis Road described him as “a Lansdowne Park Legend” and “a lovely neighbour”.

Shannon RFC concluded: “We will never see his likes again.”

May he rest in peace.