The Irish Rugby Football Union would like to extend its sympathies to the family and friends of Bobby Deacy, who died peacefully at his home on Monday (December 28).

Our thoughts are with his wife Ann, daughter Edith, son Norman and the extended family.

Bobby served as President of the IRFU during the 1996/97 season - the eighth Connacht man to do so - having operated as Honorary Treasurer of the Union from 1987 to 1996.

A club trustee and long-serving member of Galwegians RFC, he was Secretary of the Connacht Branch from 1975 to 1981 and was President between 1985 and 1986.

He will be reposing at his home (Woodstock Lodge, Woodstock, Galway) this Tuesday (December 29) from 2pm to 7pm.

Removal on Wednesday to the Augustinian Church for Requiem Mass at 12 noon. He will be buried afterwards in Forthill Cemetery. Galwegians will form a club guard of honour from the church to the cemetery.

May his gentle soul rest in peace. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.