Buccaneers RFC has paid a fond tribute to ‘Big Pat’ Hynes, who passed away this week. Mr Hynes was a club stalwart throughout his life, as a player, manager, and in a number of other roles. The club this week described him as “a truly iconic figure in Athlone and Buccaneers rugby for many decades. He was undoubtedly the most loved member in the club, although he would surely squirm at that description.”
Mr Hynes, who was 71, died following a long illness on Monday.
Well known, in sporting circles and beyond, as ‘Big Pat’, Mr Hynes made a significant contribution to the club in a variety of roles over several decades. He played with distinction in the colours of Athlone RFC for many seasons, and captained the team in the 1984 Connacht Junior Cup final, having played on the team that won the same Cup in 1979. Following his lengthy playing career Big Pat then coached and managed various teams in the club, including the Senior squad. He also served in various administrative roles including football chairperson, and his extensive voluntary work included marking pitches, painting dressing rooms, stewarding on Ireland U-20 match nights, putting up match signs and, on one memorable occasion, holding up a broken crossbar during an AIL match.
He was involved in many strands of the club but found his true niche in later years as facilities manager and he was immensely proud of the facilities at Dubarry Park. “He took deep pleasure in the achievements of Buccs players such as Robbie Henshaw and Jack Carty and derived great satisfaction in framing their and others representative jerseys to put on display in the clubhouse, where he also erected numerous photographs of teams and players, past and present,” the club said in a statement.
“Pat was president of Athlone RFC in 1990/91 and 20 years later he was elected president of Buccaneers RFC in 2010/11, thus becoming the first club member to be honoured as president of the club under its former and present names. His efforts on behalf of the club were recognised when he won the coveted Club Person of the Year award in 2012. His passion for the club knew no bounds, so much so that he not only took to the stage in 2016’s ‘Strictly Scrum Dancing’, but emerged the most popular of victors.
“A man of real generosity and integrity, Big Pat’s trojan endeavours on behalf of the club over many decades will be irreplaceable. The term ‘legend’ is too readily bandied about nowadays but the description is so apt for the man from southeast Roscommon. His loss will be greatest to his wife Peggy, son Patrick, daughter-in-law Maria, his beloved grandchildren Maja, Jenna and Patrick, and sister Maureen. Heartfelt condolences are extended to them and the wider family and circle of friends and colleagues.”
Ar dheis De go raibh a anam dilis.
