Limerick mourns the passing of “great sportsman”

LIMERICK’s sporting community has united in tributes to the late Richard Phelan. 

The hugely popular Limerick city man - Corbally and formerly Castletroy View - passed away suddenly this Wednesday, February 15.

Shock and sadness have been expressed by the various sporting clubs who Mr Phelan was closely affiliated with, including his local GAA club St. Patricks, Richmond RFC and the Irish Harness Racing Association. 

Deaths in Limerick: Wednesday, February 15, 2023

St. Patricks GAA Club further sent their condolences to Mr Phelan’s family, who also have a “very strong involvement” in the club. 

“All at St Patrick’s GAA Club are in deep shock following the sudden death of Richard Phelan. Richard was deeply involved with St Patricks club playing in goals at underage and managing our underage teams and up unto his sudden death,” said the club in tribute.

“Richard was very much involved with our development and construction of our new dressing rooms at Rhebogue and Richard’s family have a very strong involvement with St Patrick’s club, wearing the green and white in playing or supporting the club.”

Mr Phelan was a member of Richmond RFC rugby club and played at an underage level, while he was also a contributor to the development of the clubhouse. 

“Everyone in Richmond RFC would like to express their deepest condolences to the family of Richard Phelan on his sad and untimely passing. There are not enough words to express the sadness and shock that has hit everyone in the last 24 hours,” the Richmond RFC club shared online. 

“Everyone in the club knows the work that Richie contributed during the building of the clubhouse, and we would not have the facilities we have today without his support.”

“Our hearts go to his fiancé Laura, sons Richard, Jayden, Aaron & Danny, his father Vincent and brothers Keith, Dermot, Mark, Niall & his twin Gearóid,” they added.

Described as a “great sportsman”, the Irish Harness Racing Association passed on their wishes to Mr Phelan’s family on his sudden passing, saying: “We wish to pass our deepest condolences to the Phelan family on the sudden passing of Richard”.

“Richie was a regular competitor in West Cork and Portmarnock. He was an owner, trainer and driver and a great sportsman.”

“Our thoughts and prayers are with his family during this difficult time,” they continued.

Beloved fiancé of Laura, dearest father of Richard, Jayden, Aaron & Danny, loving son of Vincent and the late Nuala and brother of Keith, Dermot, Mark, Niall and his twin Gearóid, Richard passed away on February 15, 2023.

Sadly missed by his family, uncles, aunts, nephews, nieces, relatives and his many friends.

Reposing at Griffin’s Funeral Home, John’s Gate on Friday 17 February, from 4:30pm to 6:30pm. 

Requiem mass takes place at St. John’s Cathedral on Saturday 18 February, at 10:45am.

Family flowers only please, donation if desired to Milford Care Centre.