RIP: Tipperary rugby club pays tribute to late former player

Thurles RFC has paid tribute to former player Declan O’Dowd following his passing.

Declan passed away suddenly on February 11, 2026.

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The club took to social media, sharing a tribute to Declan, saying: “It was with great sadness that we learned late last week of the sudden passing of local man and former Thurles Rugby Club player, Declan O Dowd.

“Declan played much of his rugby at Youth and Junior level and was a big part of any team he played on through the years. He will be fondly remembered as a skilled footballer and will be sadly missed by his many friends and former teammates at the club.

“TRFC extends deepest condolences to Declan’s wife Roisin, his children Áine, Orlaith and Tommy, his mother Bernie, his sisters Sandra and Amy, brothers Rory, Barry, Raymond, and Alan, and to Declan’s extended family and wide circle of friends.”

Declan is predeceased by his father Tommy and nephew Fionn.

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Declan will be sadly missed by his loving wife Roisin, his adored children Áine, Orlaith and Tommy, his mother Bernie, his sisters Sandra and Amy, brothers Rory, Barry, Raymond and Alan, parents-in-law Jimmy and Teresa Martin, brother's-in-law Eamon, Francis and Tommy, sisters-in-law Portia, Rachel, Sinead, Noelle and Antoinette, his nieces and nephews and the extended Martin family and his many relations and friends.