We are very sorry to report some heart breaking news I’m afraid. I’m sure many of our members and supporters would have met former 1st XV player Barry Aspinall over the years who, as a club official, he helped transform the club some years ago. Connagh Aspinall, his son, was a very colourful young member who was a real character around the club despite having some disabilities.
He passed away on Monday and it has left a lot of us very sad. Toby Harrison grew up with Connagh and is at a loss for words at the death of his old friend. Both Dylan O’Grady and I had a lot of time for Connagh because he was so invested in Fylde and the 1st team. Rugby was a passion of his so much so that he did a better Haka than I could ever have done – and I’m a Kiwi!
I have passed on the clubs condolences to Barry and Sharon. I have asked Barry if we could release a small piece on our website and via social media expressing our sympathies as a club. His reply was simply ” Connagh, Sharon and I would be delighted”.
Connagh Aspinall – Born 9.10.97, sadly taken 5 .8.24
Involved with Fylde since Dylan O’Grady was captain.
Moved to Shipton-on–Stour in 2020 and adopted Shipton RUFC where they embraced him as Fylde did.
The flag will fly at half mast as a sign of respect to Connagh, Barry and Sharon.
Some photos are attached supplied by Toby Harrison. The last is Toby and Connagh as young lads growing up.
Regards,
Matthew Filipo
Chairman.
