Untimely death of stats man Lee
Last updated 11:46, Friday, 05 September 2008
WHITEHAVEN players past and present were due to attend the funeral early today of the club’s popular former community development manager Lee O’Brien following his untimely death aged 33.
Mr O’Brien, who had suffered a long-term illness, joined the club as their new stats man late last year when pal Paul Crarey, who he had worked alongside at Barrow Raiders, took the coaching reins.
And he had just been appointed to his new development role when he fell seriously ill, spending 12 weeks in hospital before his death. Crarey and fellow former Barrow boss Peter Roe were among the bearers at his funeral service, held at St Mary’s Parish Church, Dalton.
“Many players had a lot of respect for him,” Crarey told News & Star Sport. “He was a loyal and great friend to me. Just a great kid. Lee was a genuine good guy, who loved his job. He’ll be sadly missed.” He leaves partner Rachel and daughter Megan, five.
