Shane Geoghegan (1980 – 2008)
      Remembering Shane
 
Rugby is not just a matter of life and death in Limerick, it's much worse. These flippant yet oft-used words certainly rang very hollow as the news of the brutal murder of our own Shane Geoghegan filtered through on early Sunday morning. Nothing is more sacred than life. Is there anything more tragic than death ?. Every one of us will have our own special memory of "Gagsy". A fine cut of a man; he possessed the heart of a lion yet was as gentle as a lamb. My abiding memory of Shane was at the presentation of the Gleeson League Trophy in Tom Clifford Park on 10th March 2008. Garryowen had triumphed but only after an epic battle with Thomond. The customary photograph of the players celebrating was about to take place when suddenly Shane beckoned his Thomond counterpart to bring his players into the photograph. There they were, all 40 players with arms around each other, smiling as if to acknowledge that sport is sport and a realisation that there is always going to be a winner and a loser. We always say that players when their weekend is done have to get up for work on on Monday morning. Sadly Shane will no longer be able to do that.Shane epitomized everything that is good about life. He had this wonderful smiling face and a wicked mischievous stare that exuded somehow from underneath his proud beard. He was continuously on my case to promote the 3rdXV and it worked. On many occasions I would take the opportunity to drop into the dressing room after training or a game. I never met a more united or loveable set of players. They were fantastic for supporting all club activities. With a captain like Shane is it any wonder ?. A Gentle Soul. He will be sadly missed but never forgotten in Dooradoyle.Look at the stars, Look how they shine for you.. Rest In Peace Shane. 
 

Christopher Barry
Hon Pro
Garryowen FC