Scholarship established in honour of rugby player

A university scholarship to support a paralysed student has been set up in memory of a Cork man who suffered a devastating spinal injury while playing rugby in London. Stuart Mangan (26) from Fermoy was paralysed from the neck down in April 2008 as a result of a spinal injury he sustained while playing rugby with Hammersmith and Fulham RFC. The former scrum-half never regained sensation below the neck and was only able to breathe with the aid of a ventilator.

A graduate of Rockwell College and UCC, he displayed incredible courage in dealing with the monumental challenge of his injury. Sadly, however, in August 2009 he developed pneumonia and died at St Mary's Hospital in Paddington in London in the presence of his parents, Brian and Una, and his three brothers Keith, John and Barry.

Stuart's family gathered at the University of Limerick at the weekend where details of a scholarship established in memory of the Cork man "who truly loved life" were unveiled.

The €25,000 a year scholarship was established to support a paralysed sportsperson in fulfilling their educational potential at UL for up to four years.

“Everyone who knew Stuart can confirm that he was a very special young man,” his father, Brian, said. “He was a talented sportsman, excelling at rugby, golf and on horseback. He loved to travel and discover the richness of other countries and as a result spoke five languages. He truly loved life and was hugely generous and inclusive.”

The Stuart Mangan Scholarship includes not only financial support but the support of a number of mentors including Keith Wood, Denis O'Brien and Stuart's brother Keith.

"Stuart was a great encourager and he would be delighted to help anyone to overcome their challenges," Keith Mangan said. "He will be there in spirit for the student who receives the scholarship and also for his or her circle of support. We would like to thank Keith Wood and all at University of Limerick for taking this initiative to honour Stuart's memory."

The scholarship is part funded by the W2 Fund established by Wood to support sport-related projects for young people.

The former Irish rugby international said at the launch: “I got to know Stuart’s family in the weeks following his accident and recognised that Stuart’s strength was a trait that ran through them all.”

The scholarship will be administered by University of Limerick Foundation and the disability support services office at the University of Limerick.