RIP Brian Boylan – Life Member

Sadly last week on Tuesday July 4th Brian Boylan passed away following a long illness bravely endured.

Brians funeral will take place on Friday 14th July at St Patricks Church, Hardybutts, WN1 3RZ at 2:00 no doubt the church will be packed.
Brian has served Wigan St.Patricks for over 50yrs in various capacities, as a player through the late 1950s all  1960s and into the 70s, Brian was proud to be the club captain in the mid 60s and his picture with the winning 1965 Ken Gee cup winners is still proudly on display on the club house wall.

After retiring from playing Brian helped out at the club in many ways including coaching and first aid duties and joined the club committee, back in those days the club was run from the old parish club and many of today’s young players won’t realise that the excellent clubhouse and facilities that they enjoy today are down to people like Brian who was very innovative and an excellent fund raiser.

Brian was one of the driving forces behind the building of St.Pats clubhouse raising money and actually physically working on the building that was constructed by club members, One memorable occasion saw Brian visiting virtually every business in Wigan raising £1,500 to furnish the club, Brian along with his sidekick Billy Hutchins also raised absolutely loads of money over the years to help fund many players on overseas tours organising some superb nights with top comedians and after dinner speakers.

Brian was especially proud of his Lifetime Membership award at Wigan St.Patricks but it was richly deserved. Brian was very proud of brother Jimmy’s successful pro career with Wigan, Leigh and Widnes and we know that Jimmy rarely if ever missed a day going to see Brian during his long illness, our thoughts and prayers are obviously with Jimmy and the rest of the family at this sad time, but rest assured Brian is a massive part of this proud clubs history and will never be forgotten at Clarington Park.

God Rest you Brian Old Friend.