'True character and legend': Tributes pour in for well-known Limerick sporting figure

TRIBUTES have been paid following the death of well-known sporting figure Noel (Wiry) Sexton, following an ilness.

The late President of the Munster Association of Referees, passed away peacefully on September 6 at University Hospital Limerick.

Well-known in the Limerick sporting community, the 78-year-old was a past-Captain of Limerick Golf Club and a former President of the Munster Association of Referees. He was a two-time captain, coach and Honorary Life Member of Old Crescent Rugby Football Club.

‘Wiry’, as he was affectionately known, was a lifelong member of Old Crescent RFC, acting as the coach of their Under-6’s rugby team.

“It was not unusual to see Wiry, at 70 years of age, running across the pitch with up to 50 kids chasing him. He is well remembered by all whom he coached,” said Dale M. Harrow of Old Crescent RFC.

Fellow sports people have highlighted the ‘profoundly positive impact’ that Mr Sexton has had on the wider rugby community: “The amount of work Noel did for rugby in Munster could never be quantified, but he never looked for thanks or credit. He just got on with it. We will never see his like again but the memories will live on,“ read one message of condolence posted on RIP.ie.

“Wiry had a love for the game of rugby and a devotion to refereeing that is unmatched in many ways,” reads a post on Facebook from the Munster Association of Referees.

“He will always be remembered for the phone calls looking and hunting for referees to fill fixtures on a weekend, and if nobody could be found it was never a surprise to see him turning up at a ground togged and ready to run out and do the game himself. He was the epitome of a volunteer,” adds the post.

Mr Sexton is also remembered as a very popular and beloved member of the Limerick Golf Club, an organisation of which he served as Captain in 2017.

“Noel was a unique and unforgettable character who has been much missed at Ballyclough since he fell ill,” said Ivan Morris, the current President of Limerick Golf Club.

“Noel knew everybody and everybody knew Noel. The entire membership will never forget his everlasting cheerfulness and boundless positivity.”

“On behalf of the Officers and members of Limerick Golf Club, I wish to offer sincere condolences to Noel’s wife, Lena (also a past Captain) and his family. Rest in peace.”

The Lions Club of Limerick also expressed their sympathies at the passing of Noel, saying that they ‘were honoured to have Noel as a Member and President for a number of years.’

Predeceased by his parents, Harry and Amy. Noel will be deeply missed by his loving wife Lena and his daughters Harriet and Emily, sister Jocelyn, sons-in-law Keith and Alan, his adored grandchildren George, Alice, Amy, Beatrice and Aoife, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, relatives and many friends.

“He was one of the most true and loyal people that we ever came across. Whether it was as a player, coach, referee or administrator, he gave 100 per-cent to the task. There were so many strings to his bow- the same applied. You will not be forgotten. Rest gently, Noel,“ read another message of condolence on RIP.ie.

Another mourner said, “He was a great character for his wit and connection, no matter what sport, company or community he shared. He was also a man of great compassion, always ready with a helping hand for a person or group in need. May Noel rest in peace. “

Noel (Wiry) Sexton will repose at Thompson’s Funeral Home, Thomas Street this Wednesday, from 5pm to 6.30pm. The funeral is arriving at Christ the King Church in Caherdavin on Thursday, September 10 for Requiem Mass at 1pm, followed by cremation service in Shannon Crematorium at 3pm.

Noel’s family has asked for no flowers and that donations, if desired, be directed to the IRFU Charitable Trust.