By John Walsh

Last updated 11:49, Tuesday, 23 September 2008

WHITEHAVEN rugby union club is in mourning after the sudden death at his home of 80-year-old stalwart Ernest McConnell.

Sad loss: Ernest McConnell, pictured outside St James Church, was secretary at Whitehaven RUFC a post he held for 26 years

A post mortem examination has been arranged and the funeral will be held on Monday (2-15pm) at St. James Church, Whitehaven where he was heavily involved.

Although not a rugby player himself he went down to the Playground 27 years ago when his eldest son David joined the Whitehaven club.

Son Ray also followed him and was a regular for many years, and he is the current club chairman.

Ernest’s grandson Stephen is following the family tradition and he is also a regular in the first-team and a consistent goal-kicker.

Shortly after joining the club Ernest was appointed secretary, a position which he has held for 26 years.

Pon Smith, the Whitehaven president said: “He was more than a club stalwart he was a very good friend to a lot of people. He wasn’t just secretary either because he did other jobs for the club, some of them we will probably only find out about when he’s no longer there to do them.

“He was also the best raffle ticket seller the club ever had. Nobody could say no to him.

“He always claimed to be on first name terms with the people at Twickenham and knowing him I can believe that.

“I don’t think the family and the people at the club have taken the news in yet. He was at the match with St. Benedict’s on Saturday and seemed his usual self.”

For many years Ernest and his brother ran McConnell’s shop in Roper Street –an Aladdin’s cave of items – and Pon Smith recalls buying his first pair of rugby boots from there 60-odd years ago.