Irish hockey was in mourning yesterday after learning of the sudden and tragic death of Cork Church of Ireland senior men’s player/coach Andrew Chambers on Saturday.
The 31-year-old collapsed suddenly on the pitch at Garryduff in Rochestown, Cork immediately prior to the club’s Irish Senior Cup clash with Kilkeel on Saturday, and could not be revived. The cause of his death is not yet known.
Former Cork C of I president Mervyn Kerr yesterday said club members and the hockey public “were both shocked and saddened” by the tragedy, and paid tribute to Mr Chambers.
Andrew Chambers: "A much-liked and committed club man, who will be missed by all." Picture: Adrian Boehm
“Andy had a great interest in C of I hockey and was always very willing in supporting many functions within the club,” said Mr Kerr.
“He was a much-liked and committed club man, a much-decorated sportsman in both hockey and cricket. This year he led a small team of players who were just completing the construction of a new gym for the Garryduff club.
“Andy was also a coach at many levels of hockey both within C of I and Munster. He will be greatly missed by all.
“Our prayers & thoughts are with Andy’s partner Kathryn and son Mathias, parents Tom and Gwen, brother Philip and sisters Susan, Mandy and Jennifer and extended family.”
Pat Sargent, president of the Munster Branch of the Irish Hockey Association yesterday said everyone connected with hockey was “devastated” by the news.
“Andy was a superb member of C of I, he’d been with them since he was a toddler,” she said.
“He died doing something he loved; he loved C of I and he loved hockey. It might not mean much to his family now, but perhaps it may eventually be some little consolation to them.
“C of I couldn’t have done any more to save him; there were people present with medical training, and they had a defibrillator in the clubhouse. It might be a wake-up call that every club needs to have such facilities. I know it didn’t save Andy, but it could save someone else.”
A former captain of C of I, Mr Chambers represented Munster and Ireland at underage level in hockey and also cricket, in which he played in the colours of Cork Harlequins and Cork County.
He represented Munster at senior level in hockey and won an Irish Senior Cup (1999) and All-Ireland Club Championships (2003) with C of I.
Domestically, he won nine Munster Senior League titles, seven Munster Senior Cups and seven Peard Cups, before deciding to curtail his playing duties at the end of the 2008/09 season. He took up the role as C of I player/coach this summer.
Cork C of I yesterday confirmed a book of condolences for Mr Chambers will be opened at their Garryduff clubhouse from tomorrow.
The removal of Andy Chambers RIP will arrive at St Luke’s Church, Douglas, Cork at 7.30pm tomorrow (Tuesday) night, with the funeral taking place on Wednesday at 2pm, followed by burial in the adjoining churchyard.
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alangood
13 Replies to “Shock and sadness after tragic Chambers death”
Shocked and saddened to hear of Andrew’s passing having played against him many times for Glenanne and Leinster, a true gentleman. Sincere condolenses to his family
The Cookstown Club would like to extend their deepest sympathy to the family and Munster hockey circle during this difficult time.
It is hard to believe that Andrew played just over a week ago at Coolnafranky where he guided his team to a well deserved 3-2 win.
Rest in Peace Andrew.
It is with great sadness that I write this.
Andy Chambers was a friend, a great player and most of all a great person.
Andy came to my notice while playing for Munster U18’s, at that time I was just taking up my position as Irish U18 coach. He stood out as a player, but it was his feel for a game, his sense of position and his drive to win and do well both as an individual and as team player that set him apart.
Through the years I had the privilege to work with him at many many levels and with many teams.
When I coached him he always gave 100%, and if unhappy discussed it after a match with deep passion and with an open mind, a rare quality in the game today with so many worried about their individual performance and not the teams. His only failing, if you can call it a failing was that he had a deep sense of fairness and justice and woe betide the umpire who did not meet his standards, but that was Andy and I will miss that aspect most of all, as it was a thing we both talked about on many many occasions.
The last time I saw him was last season with him arriving just in time for the team talk and rushing away to look after his new baby Mathius, 2 seconds after the final whistle, so that Kathryn could go to work. His commitment was second to none, both to his club and to his family and friends.
Andy will be missed by all whom he touched with his personality and presence in the greater world, but especially by Kathryn, Mathius, and his wonderful family.
Stephen P Jackson
It was with great sadness and shock that UCC MHC learned of the tragic death of Andy Chambers over the weekend.
Andy was a tough and fair opponent over the years, and a superb competitor who is a huge loss to Munster and Irish hockey.
Sincere condolences to Andy’s family and all at C of I, our thoughts are with you. RIP Andy.
On behalf of Lisnagarvey Hockey Club can I express our shock and sadness at hearing the tragic news about Andy Chambers on Saturday afternoon.
Andy was a man who always made us welcome when we visited Cork, and was a credit to his family, his club and his province. He welcomed many of our players into his home when they played together for the U16s, U18s and U21s and will be greatly missed.
Sincerest condolences to Andy’s family and all at Cork C of I.
Echoing the thoughts above, on behalf of Catholic Institute, I would like to express our deepest condolences to Andy’s family on such a tragic loss. Many of us have played against Andy for years & were shocked when the news filtered through Sat afternoon. At this time, our prayers and thoughts are with Kathryn & the rest of his family.
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam..
It was with great sadness I heard of Andy’s passing. What can I say to Andy’s family be it Katrin, son Mattias, his loving parents Tom and Gwen,brother Philjo, sisters Susan, Samantha and Jennifer to help shoulder their great loss – simply NOTHING, but just to say I shed a tear or two on Saturday on the phone with John Rose, a great family friend and Bishop Paul a light of hope that all of us need from time to time. My family and I are here to help in any way we can, be it Andy’s loving family, his teammates and all the members of Garryduff
May he rest in peace
Pat ,Cynthia,Mark,Paul and Gillian
Sincere condolences to Andy’s family. The C of I club and the wider Munster hockey community. You are in our thoughts at this sad time.
From all at Banbridge Hockey Club
We watched as a fine young sportsman left us from the field of play.
It was fitting for such a tremendous competitor to depart from the arena he had graced with commitment and skill, but way, way too soon Andy.
Despite the outstanding efforts of the very best medical attention present at the ground, nothing it seems could be done.
You leave us with a devastating sense of loss, but with the firm belief that your strength of purpose will carry all of us through these difficult days. With the solid knowledge that everything you touched in sport and in life has given strength of purpose to those you have coached and mentored, we wish you Bon Voyage, God Speed, and we are much the richer to have known you…
Philip
On Behalf of everyone at Monkstown Hockey Club we would like to express our deepest condolences to Andy’s family and Cork C of I Hockey Club. Andy played for us for a season and we know what a great guy he was.
He will be greatly missed.
As a former teamate, it was with great sadness that i learnt of Andy’s passing on Saturday last. Andy enriched the lives of those around him and although we have only crossed paths on rare occasions in the past few years, i have very fond memories of times spent with him be it on or off the hockey pitch. I still remember his commanding performances in the Home Nations U18 tournament in Milton Keynes in 97 when he was the player of the tournament. Off the pitch we shared some great nights while supposed to be tucked up in bed on training weekends in Dublin.
I would like to extend my deepest sympathies to Tom, Gwen, Phil and the rest of his family and friends and know that everyone at Three Rock Rovers HC shares in my centiments.
Garry
The pupils and staff of Midleton College wish to express their condolences to and support for Andy Chambers’ family as they come to terms with their deep personal loss. Andy was known to many pupils and staff as a teammate, coach and friend. All speak of him as a man of decency, good humour, great sporting talent and a deep love of his family.
On the afternoon that Andy is laid to rest, I also extend my sympathies, both personally and on behalf of Limerick HC, to Katrin, and Mattias, Tom and Gwen , Susan, Mandy, Philip and Jennifer and Andy’s extended family.
While not knowing Andy personally, I knew him, as most people interested in Munster hockey, by spectating as well as by reputation – as a fearsome opponent, a player of principles, a loyal teammate, a committed club colleague and a loving family man.
I happened to be at Garryduff earlier on Saturday morning, and met many “older” members of the Garryduff and extended Munster hockey families, all of whom were looking forward to an afternoon of camaraderie and entertaining hockey – to all those friends I also extend sympathies.
It is at times like this that we realize that hockey is only a game – there are far more important things in life.
May Andy Rest in Peace.
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Shocked and saddened to hear of Andrew’s passing having played against him many times for Glenanne and Leinster, a true gentleman. Sincere condolenses to his family
The Cookstown Club would like to extend their deepest sympathy to the family and Munster hockey circle during this difficult time.
It is hard to believe that Andrew played just over a week ago at Coolnafranky where he guided his team to a well deserved 3-2 win.
Rest in Peace Andrew.
It is with great sadness that I write this.
Andy Chambers was a friend, a great player and most of all a great person.
Andy came to my notice while playing for Munster U18’s, at that time I was just taking up my position as Irish U18 coach. He stood out as a player, but it was his feel for a game, his sense of position and his drive to win and do well both as an individual and as team player that set him apart.
Through the years I had the privilege to work with him at many many levels and with many teams.
When I coached him he always gave 100%, and if unhappy discussed it after a match with deep passion and with an open mind, a rare quality in the game today with so many worried about their individual performance and not the teams. His only failing, if you can call it a failing was that he had a deep sense of fairness and justice and woe betide the umpire who did not meet his standards, but that was Andy and I will miss that aspect most of all, as it was a thing we both talked about on many many occasions.
The last time I saw him was last season with him arriving just in time for the team talk and rushing away to look after his new baby Mathius, 2 seconds after the final whistle, so that Kathryn could go to work. His commitment was second to none, both to his club and to his family and friends.
Andy will be missed by all whom he touched with his personality and presence in the greater world, but especially by Kathryn, Mathius, and his wonderful family.
Stephen P Jackson
It was with great sadness and shock that UCC MHC learned of the tragic death of Andy Chambers over the weekend.
Andy was a tough and fair opponent over the years, and a superb competitor who is a huge loss to Munster and Irish hockey.
Sincere condolences to Andy’s family and all at C of I, our thoughts are with you. RIP Andy.
On behalf of Lisnagarvey Hockey Club can I express our shock and sadness at hearing the tragic news about Andy Chambers on Saturday afternoon.
Andy was a man who always made us welcome when we visited Cork, and was a credit to his family, his club and his province. He welcomed many of our players into his home when they played together for the U16s, U18s and U21s and will be greatly missed.
Sincerest condolences to Andy’s family and all at Cork C of I.
Echoing the thoughts above, on behalf of Catholic Institute, I would like to express our deepest condolences to Andy’s family on such a tragic loss. Many of us have played against Andy for years & were shocked when the news filtered through Sat afternoon. At this time, our prayers and thoughts are with Kathryn & the rest of his family.
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam..
It was with great sadness I heard of Andy’s passing. What can I say to Andy’s family be it Katrin, son Mattias, his loving parents Tom and Gwen,brother Philjo, sisters Susan, Samantha and Jennifer to help shoulder their great loss – simply NOTHING, but just to say I shed a tear or two on Saturday on the phone with John Rose, a great family friend and Bishop Paul a light of hope that all of us need from time to time. My family and I are here to help in any way we can, be it Andy’s loving family, his teammates and all the members of Garryduff
May he rest in peace
Pat ,Cynthia,Mark,Paul and Gillian
Sincere condolences to Andy’s family. The C of I club and the wider Munster hockey community. You are in our thoughts at this sad time.
From all at Banbridge Hockey Club
We watched as a fine young sportsman left us from the field of play.
It was fitting for such a tremendous competitor to depart from the arena he had graced with commitment and skill, but way, way too soon Andy.
Despite the outstanding efforts of the very best medical attention present at the ground, nothing it seems could be done.
You leave us with a devastating sense of loss, but with the firm belief that your strength of purpose will carry all of us through these difficult days. With the solid knowledge that everything you touched in sport and in life has given strength of purpose to those you have coached and mentored, we wish you Bon Voyage, God Speed, and we are much the richer to have known you…
Philip
On Behalf of everyone at Monkstown Hockey Club we would like to express our deepest condolences to Andy’s family and Cork C of I Hockey Club. Andy played for us for a season and we know what a great guy he was.
He will be greatly missed.
As a former teamate, it was with great sadness that i learnt of Andy’s passing on Saturday last. Andy enriched the lives of those around him and although we have only crossed paths on rare occasions in the past few years, i have very fond memories of times spent with him be it on or off the hockey pitch. I still remember his commanding performances in the Home Nations U18 tournament in Milton Keynes in 97 when he was the player of the tournament. Off the pitch we shared some great nights while supposed to be tucked up in bed on training weekends in Dublin.
I would like to extend my deepest sympathies to Tom, Gwen, Phil and the rest of his family and friends and know that everyone at Three Rock Rovers HC shares in my centiments.
Garry
The pupils and staff of Midleton College wish to express their condolences to and support for Andy Chambers’ family as they come to terms with their deep personal loss. Andy was known to many pupils and staff as a teammate, coach and friend. All speak of him as a man of decency, good humour, great sporting talent and a deep love of his family.
On the afternoon that Andy is laid to rest, I also extend my sympathies, both personally and on behalf of Limerick HC, to Katrin, and Mattias, Tom and Gwen , Susan, Mandy, Philip and Jennifer and Andy’s extended family.
While not knowing Andy personally, I knew him, as most people interested in Munster hockey, by spectating as well as by reputation – as a fearsome opponent, a player of principles, a loyal teammate, a committed club colleague and a loving family man.
I happened to be at Garryduff earlier on Saturday morning, and met many “older” members of the Garryduff and extended Munster hockey families, all of whom were looking forward to an afternoon of camaraderie and entertaining hockey – to all those friends I also extend sympathies.
It is at times like this that we realize that hockey is only a game – there are far more important things in life.
May Andy Rest in Peace.