Munster strength and conditioning coach passes away

Paul Darbyshire, the Munster strength and conditioning coach for the past four seasons, passed away this morning after a long battle with Motor Neurone disease.

A native of Wigan, Darbyshire was diagnosed with the illness last September and fought a courageous battle against it until he passed away peacefully in his sleep in the early hours of this morning.

Darbyshire (pictured with Ronan O'Gara above) arrived as head of strength and conditioning at the province in the summer of 2007, having served rugby league side Warrington Wolves as a player, coach and conditioner for over 18 years. He also worked with the Irish international side during their tour of Australia and New Zealand in the summer of 2008.

Darbyshire was an extremely popular character at Munster and in a touching gesture, was brought out on a wheelchair to celebrate with players and staff following their victory over Leinster in the Magners League Final at Thomond Park last month.

The Munster players and management were made aware of Darbyshire’s death this morning as they assembled for stage two of a fundraising cycle for Motor Neurone disease, which was organised shortly after Darbyshire was diagnosed.

The cycle began yesterday with the opening leg from Cork to Limerick, which was attended by his wife Lyndsay.

It will continue to Roscrea RFC today and the final Irish stage will see the cyclists go from Portlaoise RFC to Trinity College (via Maynooth) tomorrow.

The cycle then moves to the UK, finishing in Warrington on Thursday 23rd June 2011.

Funds raised in the course of the cycle will go to the Darbyshire family and to fund research into Motor Neurone Disease being carried out in Trinity College Dublin by Professor of Neurology Orla Hardiman.