Joe Reynolds RIP; A tribute by Eoin Corcoran   26/07/2016

Eoin Corcoran penned this wonderful tribute to Joe Reynolds who tragically passed away way too young last week, all at Longford RFC wish Joes family and friends our deepest condolences.
Goodbye to Big Joe
L.O.N.G.F.O.R.D. SQUEEZE! Arm in arm, minutes before kick-off, the roar of our Longford team could be heard from afar, but one voice echoed above them all; the bellow of big Joe Reynolds. “Give us fifty good ones, Joe. Your best fifty minutes”. Nodding his head confidently, we all knew that was exactly what we were going to get; one hundred percent for as long as he could, doing all he could for his teammates and his club. In ways, it’s a microcosm of his life, always doing his very best by everyone but a life cut far too short.
A goliath of a man, an unfailing trojan on the pitch, but a kind-hearted gentleman off it. A central character of the team, he could only ever be seen smiling, singing or laughing with that playful giggle that never seemed to match his stature. He had a smile for everyone, and you could only have a smile for him.
Joe was a big character in Longford Rugby Club and in particular, in our Leinster League winning U17 team of 2014 where he was nothing but a stalwart. If Joe was out, panic set in. He carried us through many hard fought games from the second row and he truly was one of key players that lead us to collecting the only silverware most of us have ever won in the club, sealing the deal on the day with a heroic try effort.
Not a quiet man, he loved to talk and joke, but never had a bad word to say of anyone and never at anyone’s expense. Many enjoyable days were spent on those long bus journeys around the province, with Joe occupying a back seat, always there to heighten the craic after a win and lighten the mood after a loss. His laughter and joking demeanour were infectious and his work ethic and dedication on the pitch were inspiring. He was a lot of the heart and soul of the team.
A terrific player and an even better person, Joe will be very sorely missed by everyone in the club, particularly by those of us that had the pleasure of playing alongside him. We have lost one of the best, but we were all the better for having known him. Our deepest sympathies are with Joe’s family and close friends, and it is with profound sadness that we all say goodbye to big Joe Reynolds.

Eoin Corcoran












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