It is sad to report that Navy Rugby Life Member Dermot Crean passed away on 29th May 2012. His las few years were a battle against Alzheimer’s but followers of Navy Rugby will remember the doc for his immense contribution to US Portsmouth and Navy Rugby as both physio and team doctor. In 1996 he was rightly made a Life Member of the Union, becoming only the third Surgeon to be awarded such an honour. Dermot was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2009 and as those who new him would expect battled it and did not let it get him down. He will be sadly missed by his family and also his Naval Rugby family.
In 2010 Orla, Dermot’s daughter, ran the Great South Run in aid of Alzheimer’s, their fund raising page gave a wonderful tribute to Dermot and captures the very essence of his unique personality. It can be viewed here. Although the page has expired for contributions the Alzheimer’s website is available here.
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