Madam, - Over the past 10 years or so it became the pleasure of virtually the entire membership of Shannon RFC to make the acquaintance of David Noble. Dave was a Dubliner, a colourful rugby man who came among us selling his wares. We took to him instantly; he was our kind of guy and before long we regarded him very much as one of us.
Mr McScrum, as he was affectionately known, was that lovely man who sold from his stall inside the main gate at Thomond Park. At Thomond he dealt mostly in Munster hats, flags and scarves and he was a permanent fixture on big and not-so-big match days.
Dave was an informed, intelligent and courteous man whose kindness and humanity was all too frequently demonstrated on match days. He told me once that he hated taking money from children - and indeed I and many of my colleagues often observed him hand over a flag or scarf to a young supporter while discreetly refusing payment to the surprised delight of the youngster. He was like that.
Dave was a member of Shannon RFC and in recent weeks we received his subscription for the current season. His passing shocked and saddened his many friends in Limerick. On behalf of the membership at Shannon, I wish to sympathise with his family on their sad loss. We regarded him as our friend and will miss him greatly. - Yours, etc,
JOHN LEAHY,
Past President, Shannon RFC,
Limerick.