THE death has taken place after a short illness of John Byrne, one of the most popular and respected figures on the Irish rugby club scene and a man synonymous with the Monkstown club for the better part of the last half century. He was 65.

His untimely death has caused widespread regret. Known affectionately as "Blue" he was a man of unfailing courtesy, kindness and integrity. A visit to the Monkstown ground at Sydney Parade would never be complete without meeting him and he was invariably on hand to extend the friendly greeting and hospitality to the guests whether they came from the many international touring sides who regularly used the club facilities for training or from the clubs from home and abroad.

He had an abiding love of the game and that found expression in a magnificent contribution to it. He served Monkstown as a player and then in various administrative capacities. Through the years he filled the offices of president, honorary secretary, honorary fixture secretary and, for the last 25 years, press officer. In that capacity there was no one better in the country.

In a broader sphere, he also served on the junior committee of the Leinster Branch and his knowledge and integrity were recognised when he was named as a member of the branch three-man election sub-committee that chooses the provinces' senior selection committee. He filled that office for three years. He was also a keen swimmer and long-time member of Dalkey SC. He was a regular patron of the Forty Foot.

He embodied all the qualities of the true sportsman. It is hard to believe that one will not again hear his cheerful and familiar voice on the end of the phone on a Tuesday morning to give the Monkstown team news as my colleagues and myself have had the privilege of doing for so long.

He was taken ill suddenly on the Wednesday before Christmas. His brave heart fought on for a while but, unfortunately, there was to be no recovery and he died yesterday morning.

He will be greatly missed by many, most keenly in the happy home he shared with his wife Delia and his son Niall. They will be consoled by the fact that he will be sadly mourned too by a host of friends, and it was my very good fortune to have been numbered among them.

Rugby has lost a loyal servant the Monkstown club a stalwart member and so many of us a loyal friend. Sincere sympathy is extended to Delia, to Niall, to his brothers, one of whom Harry, is the current president of Monkstown, his sister and other relatives.