THE FIRST team assistant coach of Leigh Miners Rangers has passed away while on England Community Lions duties.
Gary McMahon, from Wigan, joined Miners at the beginning of the year following almost 20 years of work with Wigan St Judes.
In the early hours of Sunday, September 4, the 56-year-old passed away in his sleep while in Italy with the England Community Lions.
Representing the Rugby Football League (RFL), Gary was in Italy for the amateur Under 19s European Championships.
After joining Leigh Miners, the popular coach was said to be "pivotal" in the team's development both on and off the field.
He helped the club to a seventh-place finish in their return to the NCL Premier Division.
In a statement, Leigh Miners Rangers said: "A superb character around the club who will be sadly missed by all, we send our love & condolences to Gary’s partner Lisa, son Gary, daughter Skye, and Gary’s family and friends at this very sad time.
"The club would also send their condolences to all the England Community Lions u19s players and staff who are currently in Italy competing in the European Championships."
Miners Head Coach Dave Rowlands added that Gary was a "brilliant character" who was "bubbly, full of life, and would light up any room he came in".
Following discussions with Gary's family, the players and coaching staff, England Lions have decided to continue their European Championship campaign in honour of Gary.
Marc Lovering, the RFL’s Director of Participation and Development who is also in Italy with the team, said: “On behalf of the Community Lions in Italy, the RFL and the sport, we send deepest condolences to Gary’s family and many friends.
“It is hard to process that we have lost a man who was in his element on Saturday, working with our young Community Lions players on a wonderful Rugby League occasion.
“He has played a huge part in the development of the Community Lions programme in recent years, as well as influencing so many players at community clubs such as Leigh Miners Rangers and Wigan St Judes.”
David Butler, the General Manager of European Rugby League who is Tournament Director in Italy, added: “We join the RFL in sending our condolences to Gary’s family, and paying tribute to his contribution to our sport.
“We have also worked with the England Community Lions squad to ensure they receive the necessary support after such devastating news.”
The England squad are receiving support from Steve McCormack, Director of Welfare for Rugby League Cares who is in Italy, while the Rugby League Benevolent Fund are supporting Gary McMahon’s family.
Many other clubs across the rugby league community have also shared tributes and condolences, as have those who knew and loved him.
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