The reason that this charity was selected was that we had already proposed making this week’s match a tribute game to Pat O’Connell. Pat was a big-hearted, generous Irishman. Many of the firefighters and NYPD officers tragically killed in the rescue attempts in NYC were Irish. This educational trust was set up for the children of some of New York’s fallen heros.

Through a combination of personal donations and a raffle for Allen’s FRFC jersey we were able to raise and donate $1,400. Thanks to everyone who helped out, including Baltimore RFC who gave money in the raffle.

I’d like to add one more note. In amongst the enormity of this tragedy some members of Frederick Rugby and our friends at Mount Saint Mary’s Rugby were directly impacted. Fain Moran lost two friends and the Mount lost three, Andy Alameno, James Murphy and Anthony Gallagher. We are also very proud of Frederick’s P. J. Donaghue who was one of the firemen battling the fire at the Pentagon.

Frederick’s Pat O’Connell passed away March 5, 2001. Our deepest sympathies go out to Jill, their three children and the O’Connell family.

I received some very sad news early this morning (03/06/01). One of the founders and major players in the development of Frederick Rugby, Pat O’Connell, died in his sleep last night from an apparent coronary. Pat was 38 and leaves behind his wife Jill and their three children. Pat was also part of a huge O’Connell clan. Our deepest sympathies go out to all of his family.

Pat was a key part of Frederick Rugby on the pitch through the mid 1990’s, renowned as a tough prop with an almost unbelievable propensity to bleed during a match. I remember back in 1993 splitting my eye open for the first time at Princeton. Pat bought me a shot of vodka at the bar to clean it with and decorated me with my first Steristrips (from his personal collection!). A neck injury forced him into early retirement but Pat stayed very much involved moving into the President’s role. He played a major part in organizing commercial sponsorship and focused on building up involvement of former players as a social wing of the club. For all of his commitment to Frederick rugby and his teammates Pat’s real pride and joy was his family. Pat will be sorely missed by all who knew him.

Frederick Rugby invites you all to raise a glass to Paddy O’ on Thursday 8th March at Krug’s Place on East Street after practice (9:00pm).

Pat O'Connell Services
Thursday 8th March 7:00pm - 9:00pm
Viewing at Keeney and Basford. 106 East Church Street.

Friday 9th March 12:30pm
Funeral at St. John's Church. 116 East 2nd Street

Frederick Rugby will be sending flowers.

Pat O'Connell's Memorial Fund
This money will be used to help fund the children's education. Please make checks out to "Pat O'Connell Memorial Fund" and mail to the address below:-

Pat O'Connell Memorial Fund.
c/o Ron Hemby
8007 Glendale Court,
Frederick, MD 21702.