The club has received the following tribute from former 1st XV back row Ian Ashton to former Fylde winger Brendan Hanavan who passed away last week following a battle with cancer. Ian and Brendan were team mates at Fylde in the early nineties.
”It was with great sadness that I heard last Tuesday that Brendan Hanavan had lost his brave 3 year fight against oral cancer , he was a true gentleman who will be sorely missed by by his young family, work colleagues and those he came into contact with through his beloved sport of rugby.
I was fortunate and privileged to have played in the same team as Brendan in the early nineties and despite his nickname of handbag (something to do with his fearless tackling technique). I found him to be a fearless and passionate player who had an innate ability to motivate the team to some fantastic results often punching well above its weight.
On the occasions I met Brendan during the course of his illness and from speaking to his friends and acquaintances at Fylde it was obvious that he faced his illness with great stoicism and fought it with the same passion and determination that he brought to his rugby.
It is very poignant that his strength and personality helped him battle the illness long enough to witness his young daughter Ailish start school.
I am sure you will join me in extending your condolences to Ailish and his wife Maria in the most difficult of times.” – Ian Ashton
