A YOUNG Cork man who died last Friday, just over a year after he was paralysed in a rugby accident, will be remembered at a special Mass in Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church in London this evening.
The Mass for Stuart Mangan, Cullenagh, Fermoy, Co Cork, will take place at 7.30pm at the chapel in Kensington Church Street.
Tomorrow his remains will be received into the Church of St Therese, Mount Merrion, Co Dublin, for memorial Mass at 5.30 pm.
Requiem Mass takes place in St Patrick’s Church, Fermoy, Co, Cork, on Friday at noon followed by burial in Kilcrumper New Cemetery, Fermoy.
Stuart’s parents, Brian and Una,have asked that if desired, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the IRFU Charitable Trust, the RFU Injured Players Foundation or Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital, Stanmore, London.
Stuart’s organs were donated, as was his request.
He was taken to St Mary’s Hospital in Paddington, London, last Thursday as a result of respiratory problems and died on Friday in the presence of his parents and his three brothers, Keith, John and Barry.
The former scrum-half and out-half had suffered a devastating spinal injury while playing rugby with his club Hammersmith and Fulham RFC in London in April last year.
However, he was making the most of his life and was living in an apartment in London with the assistance of a team of carers.
A spokesman for the Mangan family said Stuart had left his family with a considerable legacy.
“Since his accident he has inspired many with his courage and greatly increased his circle of friends.”