MUNSTER RUGBY players and supporters have joined forces to organise a series of charity events to raise funds for a colleague who was diagnosed with motor neurone disease last year and for research into the debilitating condition.
Paul Darbyshire (39) joined the Munster set-up in June 2007 as head of strength and conditioning.
Originally from Wigan in England, he is now living in Cork. “Darbs” served his time as a player, coach and conditioner for more than 18 years with rugby league side Warrington Wolves. He was the Irish fitness and conditioning coach on the summer tour of Australia and New Zealand in 2008.
He was diagnosed last September with motor neurone disease just weeks before his son Harry was born. Married to Lyndsay, he has three other children, Ella (13), Georgia (11) and Jack (7). He now requires the use of a wheelchair.
Despite his illness, Darbyshire was at Thomond Park last weekend to see Munster win the Magners League final; he received rapturous applause when he was wheeled across the pitch to the podium for the cup presentation.
On June 19th, a charity cycle will leave Musgrave Park in Cork for Warrington. Munster players taking part include Keith Earls, Felix Jones, Wiann du Preez, Ian Dowling, Marcus Horan, Mick O’Driscoll and Billy Holland.
Other events include a barbecue at Flanagan’s in Killaloe on June 12th, while on June 19th, a concert will be held at Dolan’s, Dock Road, Limerick featuring Stockton’s Wing, Jon Kenny, Pat Shortt, Eoin Coughlan and others.