THE death took place in Galway yesterday of Chris Crowley, a former president of the IRFU and of the Connacht Branch, whose involvement with rugby spanned more than 60 years. He was 86.

Chris Crowley was unquestionably one of the great figures of Connacht rugby; his contribution to the game at club, branch and national levels was immense, his influence profound. A solicitor by profession, he brought to that calling the same level of integrity and commitment he gave to rugby and which earned him universal respect.

A native of Claremorris, he studied at UCD and played for the club, as well as Ballina and Galwegians. But it was with the latter club that he left an indelible imprint on the game.

An enthusiastic and useful player, it was, however, at administrative level that Chris left an indelible imprint. He filled every office both with Galwegians and at branch level. He worked assiduously for the game and did much to broaden its base in the west.

It was often a difficult task in less than congenial circumstances. He was, not, however, a man to walk away from a difficulty; rather, he saw it as a challenge to be met and overcome. In his outstanding career, he overcame many.

While Galwegians was his first love, the game in Connacht owes him an incalculable debt. He was honorary treasurer of the Connacht Branch from 1950 to 1959, and then took over as honorary secretary for two years. He was president of the branch for two seasons, 1971-73.

But his influence and contribution were also profound at national level. He served on the IRFU for 20 years, from 1955 to 1975-76. Connacht has never had a more worthy representative. He was president of the IRFU in 1968-69, only the fourth Connacht representative to be so honoured.

While in the early days of his administration at national level some viewed the Press with suspicion, not so with Chris. He believed they had a major contribution to make to the propagation of the game, and he set out to offer the necessary response, which he did to telling effect.

Truly a man of wit and wisdom, he was a familiar and much loved figure throughout the game in Ireland, who could deflate the pompous with his quick turn of phrase. And the most distinguished international and the player from the club's sixth XV were treated just the same by this outstanding personality. He was a man of immense warmth and kindness, as so many of us came to appreciate.

I last met him about six weeks ago at a reception in Galway, and he was in his usual cheerful form although far from well. It was typical of Chris that he should be present. It was one of the last functions he attended before a debilitating illness took its inevitable toll. He faced that with great bravery and serenity.

One rarely went to a match in Galway without meeting him, pipe in mouth, "acerbic" comment on the lips and then the broad smile and friendly greeting. That was the essence of the man. Although less than enthusiastic, and concerned, about some of what has happened in rugby in recent times, he retained his intense interest to the end.

His standing in Galwegians and his huge contribution to the club was recognised some years ago, when he was paid the singular tribute of having the Galwegians ground at Glenina, Crowley Park named in his honour.

The news of his death will be received with profound regret throughout the game in this country. Chris Crowley's name and his memory will always stand as a beacon for rugby football in the west of Ireland. Predeceased a few years ago by his wife and ever faithful friend and companion, Jenny, he is survived by his son, Peter, daughter, Elizabeth, and grandchildren, to whom sincere sympathy is extended.