Shock at death of community activist who brought rugby to working class communities

The wider community of Tallaght has been united in grief following the shock news of Philip Preston's death.

Philip Preston loved three things more than most - rugby, his family and his hometown. He poured every last piece of himself into all three and made a real difference in people's lives. A member of Tallaght Rugby Club from an early age, as youth development officer, Preston spread the game throughout non-traditional rugby communities across South West Dublin. He passed away suddenly, in the early hours of Wednesday morning, after suffering a suspected cardiac arrest. He was only 36. https://twitter.com/TallaghtRFC/status/750688826469736448 His tragic death arrived eight months after he was named Tallaght Person of the Year for his work in the community and for the Rugby on the Green programme he helped roll out across the area. Chairperson of the Tallaght Community Council, Gerry Stockil told The Echo:

"He made everyone, especially young people, feel great about themselves and to believe that the world was their oyster. “He was a beacon of fun, positivity and hope for the community and Tallaght is very lucky and proud to have had Philip as part of our community – and we will honour him by trying to build on his immense contribution."

Tallaght Rugby Club has also paid tribute to the Jobstown native, describing him as 'a man mountain with a heart of solid gold'. His contribution to the club, a statement read, will never be matched on or off the field. Ken Kinsella President Tallaght RFC tried to sum up his admiration for Preston and sadness at his loss. He commented:

"I’m completely devastated that our talisman has passed away and has been taken from us so abruptly and unfairly. "The whole community will never come to terms with this loss; everyone in the club is absolutely devastated. We, as a club, will come together and offer whatever support is needed to Aoife [his wife] and the entire Preston family. There will never be another Philly Preston his boots are simply too big to fill."

Leinster Rugby play Gloucester at Tallaght Stadium on August 20. Any other year, Preston would have been in the front row and following every single play. He will not be there in person, this time, but he will be in spirit. Hundreds of young children will be at the game and many of them will be there because of Preston and the love of the game he instilled in them.