STUART
MANGAN

On 5th April 2008, Stuart injured his neck whilst playing fly half for the club’s 2nd XV in an end-of-season friendly. As a result of this extremely rare injury, Stuart had no feeling below his neck and placed on a ventilator.

Stuart was a remarkable person who showed outstanding courage and determination in the the face of his injury. His positive attitude to everything that he did and his love of life was a credit to himself and his family. Whoever met Stuart – whether before or after his injury –  could not fail to be impressed by his determination to live life to the full.

Stuart started to suffer from a chest infection on Thursday 6th August 2009 and was admitted to London’s St Mary’s Hospital that night. Sadly, he slipped into a coma and passed away at 7pm on Friday, 7th August 2009.

Stuart and the Mangan Family watch the drama unfold during the Six Nations Rugby Match between Ireland and Wales, as Ireland won the Grand Slam for the first time in 61 years

Following memorial masses in London and Dublin, Stuart’s funeral took place in Fermoy, his home town, and he was buried in Kilcrumper Cemetery, Fermoy on Friday, 14th August 2009.

Here at Hammers Rugby, we all miss Stuart. In tribute to our remarkable and inspirational teammate,  the Hammers Vets have been prolific in fundraising in the name of Stuart, and thanks to their efforts, the annual England Legends vs Ireland Legends game is now an annual feature in the England and Irish Rugby calendar, with both sides vying to win the Stuart Mangan Memorial Cup.

You can find out more about Stuart thanks to this BBC 3 Documentary filmed shortly before his passing, on YouTube.