TRIBUTES have poured in for former Garryowen, Munster, and Irish rugby coach Greig Oliver, who died in a paragliding incident in South Africa on Monday (July 3).
The former Scottish rugby international died after his tandem glider collided with another paraglider off the coast of Cape Town. The fatal collision will now be the subject of a police and coroner’s investigation.
Mr Oliver (58) was in the country supporting his son, Jack Oliver, who was due to line out as part of Ireland’s squad against Fiji in the World Rugby Under 20 Championships.
It has been reported the veteran rugby coach was on an excursion with the parents of other members of the Under-20 squad at the time of the fatal incident.
Mr Oliver was Munster Rugby’s elite performance officer, and had previously held coaching roles with Garryowen and Munster’s A team, as well as having served as the Ireland Under-20 assistant coach from 2011 to 2014.
A paraglider who was with Mr Oliver at the time reportedly deployed a reserve parachute and landed safely in the water with only minor injuries before being picked up by rescuers, however Mr Oliver was found critically injured on rocks located off the Sea Point Promenade.
Paramedics and rescue swimmers removed him from his harness and performed CPR but he was pronounced dead shortly afterwards.
The occupants of the other glider landed safely.
“All at Garryowen FC are deeply shocked and saddened to learn of the passing of our dear friend and club mate Greig Oliver who was involved in a tragic paragliding accident in Cape Town, he will be greatly missed by all of us lucky enough to have known him,” read a statement released by Garryowen FC.
“Greig was in South Africa proudly supporting his son Jack who is in the Ireland Under-20s squad playing in the World Rugby Under 20 Championships. We offer our sincere condolences to Fiona, Jack, Ciara, extended Oliver, and McNamara families, especially our own Seanie and Marci and wide circle of friends.”
“Greig was originally from Hawick and a former Scotland International, capped at scrumhalf which included a cap in the Rugby World Cup. However, Greig is more fondly remembered among us as a Garryowen man.”
“Following in the footsteps of his father-in-law, Seanie McNamara, Greg took up the position of technical director at Dooradoyle in 2007-08. Greig remained a Garryowen man through and through and made lifelong friendships in Dooradoyle.”
“A brilliant rugby coach and mentor to so many young players both in Garryowen FC and Munster Rugby as well as Irish underage teams to whom he unselfishly devoted his time. Greig’s commitment to rugby was secondary only to his wife Fiona and children.”
“He was immensely proud of Jack and Ciara, both on and off the pitch. He will be greatly missed by all of us lucky enough to have known him and call him one of our own. A true Blue! RIP Greig.”
Munster Rugby also paid tribute to its former Elite Player Development Officer who it described as a “devoted family man” who “was hugely proud of his children’s sporting achievements as Jack followed in his footsteps by pursuing a career in rugby while daughter Ciara excelled at Gaelic football”.
Munster Rugby CEO Ian Flanagan expressed the club’s deepest sympathies to Mr Oliver’s family.
“We are all in a state of shock following Greig’s tragic passing. He was a great colleague and friend to so many and will be dearly missed across the Munster and Irish Rugby community,” said Mr Flanagan.
“Greig made his presence felt each day, he was always there to provide a helping hand and was a hugely popular character with his light-hearted nature and sense of humour.”
“He had an infectious enthusiasm for the game and was incredibly passionate about helping young players be the best they can be on and off the field. May he rest in peace,” said Mr Flanagan.
Paying tribute to Mr Oliver, the Chief Executive of Irish Rugby Football Union, Kevin Potts, described Mr Oliver’s passing as “an unspeakable tragedy”.
“Greig was a hugely popular member of staff and played a key role in the development of many young players during his time at Munster Rugby,” Mr Potts said.
Munster Rugby and the IRFU said they were liaising directly with Mr Oliver’s family, “providing them with any assistance and support required at this time”.
