RORY O'CONNOR, one of the best known figures in Leinster rugby. died in a car crash in Co Mayo on Tuesday night. He would have been 55 next Sunday.

Rory was one of Lansdowne rugby club's most vociferous, outgoing and lovable characters, always involved in the club's affairs and forever willing to help out, regardless of whether it was a junior team, a fund-raising function or the first XV.

Never found wanting or short of time when it concerned Lansdowne, his latter years in the club had become a special source of joy for him, as both his sons, Stephen and Paul, played on the senior team.

It was a particular source of pride when Stephen partnered his brother this year to a Leinster Senior Cup title for the first time.

Rory himself had been a member of Lansdowne since 1972. "He's been involved in managing and coaching in the club at all levels. He was very much part of every facet and knew all of the members at every level.

"lt will be impossible to imagine Lansdowne without him. There will be an enormous void in the club. He was much loved by all of the members and will be greatly missed," said Paul Inglis, last season's president of the club.

Rory ran his own customer relations company and while. as a player he contributed primarily to the junior ranks of the club with his physical presence and famous wit, he was also a talented enough water-polo player to represent Ireland in his younger days.

When the golden oldies rugby tournament came to Ireland in 1993, Rory, typical to form, was involved in the organising committee.

He will be remembered as a large than life character and will be sadly missed by his wife, Eileen, his two daughters, Deirdre and Suzanne, and his sons, Paul and Stephen.