Connacht Rugby has paid tribute to Seán Coppinger, who passed away this week following a short illness.
A Mervue native, Coppinger joined Connacht Rugby in 2015 and has played an integral role in the day-to-day running of the organisation over the last 11 years. As a key member of the operations team at Connacht Rugby, Coppinger carried out his duties with tireless dedication, passion, and pride in his work.
CEO of Connacht Rugby, Willie Ruane, led the tributes.
“Today is a terribly sad day for Connacht Rugby and we are all heartbroken by Seán’s passing,” said Ruane.
“Seán took enormous pride in his work, but it was his character, his humour, his kindness and his love for Connacht that really made him special.
“For 11 years Seán made a positive impression on every player and staff member fortunate enough to have known him. While we grieve the loss of a valued colleague and treasured friend, we remember with fondness the memories he gave us.
“Our heartfelt thoughts and sympathies are with his family and friends, at this difficult time.”
A life-long Connacht supporter, Coppinger was also an active member of the Connacht Clan supporters group. Earlier this month, Coppinger presented the players with their matchday jerseys before the Saracens Champions Cup game, such was his standing with the wider squad.
Connacht Rugby club captain, Cian Prendergast, also paid tribute.
“On behalf of the players I want to express my condolences to Seán’s family and friends at this very sad news,” Prendergast said.
“We all knew Seán well and he was one of the first faces we’d see coming in the gates every morning. You could tell he loved his job and was always there for anything we ever needed.
“For Seán to make the effort to attend our Saracens game and present us with our jerseys, despite his health challenges, says everything about him and the passion he had for this club. It was an honour for the players and something we will cherish for the rest of our careers.”
Coppinger’s warmth and kindness made him a cherished member of the Connacht Rugby family and he will be missed by everyone who worked with him over the years.
Connacht Rugby will honour Sean’s legacy at Friday’s URC interpro with Leinster at Dexcom Stadium.
