Sad Passing of Patrick ‘Rusty’ Byrne…A Club Legend

As many may be aware, sadly, Patrick Byrne passed away last Friday, commonly known by friends and everyone in GAA circles as ‘Rusty’. A terrible shock to all.

The Club would like to offer our deepest sympathies to the Byrne family at this most difficult time.

Rusty was a GAA fanatic and took great pleasure in guiding young people through sport. In fact, he managed Wicklow County Teams up to Minor Level and a number of teams with St. Bridget’s (Blessington & Kilbride), including a couple of Minor Teams. Rusty had a larger-than-life affable personality, which young people resonated with, competing was important but the joy of life long friendships, the game and sport were more important.

Rusty helped to mould many Juvenile players over the years who played for Kilbride at adult level, the culmination of which resulted in the Club Championship victory in 2007. Many players on that team coached by Rusty himself.

Rusty also played for Kilbride for many years and managed the Junior C team that reached a County Semi Final, he coached the Club’s second team for countless years.

From an administration perspective, Rusty was on the Club Committee for years, serving as Club Chairman and Vice Chairman for many years.

Incredible dedication to the Club and the village of Kilbride. We have lost a great servant of the Club and the village of Kilbride.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam

The Club will be forming a Guard of Honour at tomorrow’s funeral. Club members and players past and present are meeting at the Branch from 11.20.