Spratt, Bill
June 14, 2011After an illness of not much more than a few weeks duration one of the all time great footballers associated with the Brickey Rangers Club, Bill Spratt passed peacefully way at Cork University Hospital last Wednesday. He was 72.
Bill was a member of a Coolcormack family that was deeply immersed in the "Brickeys" from the day the club was founded. Bill himself became involved almost from the time he could close his shoe laces, and in the subsequent years of distinguished playing career he gave truly outstanding service and loyalty to a club that became literally a part of him and his life.
With his brothers Pat, Justin, Michael and Jim played many a starting football role in the famed black and amber strip, and on the greatest day in the history of the club when the county senior football championship title was annexed by the Brickeys for the one and only time in 1963 Bill was a hero among many heroes on that historic day.
Above all however I'll forever remember this ultra gentleman for the kind, caring, humane and affable person that he was.
To share his delightful company was both a pleasure and a privilege, and while his passing is indeed very deeply regretted he has left so many of us with a host of unforgettable memories. The massive turnout for his funeral Mass in St. Mary's Parish Church, Dungarvan, and his subsequent burial in the adjoining cemetery last Saturday was a fitting final tribute to Bill. It said all there ever needed to be said about this supreme human being.
To his entire family the column extends its deepest sympathy. Go ndeine Dia trocaire ar a anam dilis.
Courtesy of the Waterford News & Star
14th June 2011 Tweet
