----------------------------- POSTED 07TH AUGUST -----------------------------
For the third time since lock down. I extend my very warm thanks to everyone who lined the route from Hythe to Saltwood to honour Mike as he was taken to be buried at St. Peter and Paul's Church. The family all expressed their gratitude and thanks.
Again it was heartening that so many of you also supported the club by returning to the clubhouse afterwards together with the Judiciary to celebrate Mike's life.

On an separate note, the club is really struggling financially with no earned income since lock down. Jan, Garry and Liza have done a fantastic job keeping us afloat...... Just!!!!
Please support the club wherever you can.

Thankyou

Steve Cribbens
FRFC President

----------------------------- POSTED 29TH JULY -----------------------------

EMAIL FROM ANTON PHILLIPS - FRFC EX-CLUB CAPTAIN & AMBASSADOR

Dear Steve,

I am writing to you for a 3rd time in just a matter of weeks regarding the loss of yet another of our Folkestone Rugby club friends.

On Tuesday 4th August I will put on my Club Jacket and tie and will wend my way to my local church here in El Escobar and pay my private respects to Mike.

Please pass my sincere condolences to Colette and the family.

I hope to be able to come to Folkestone and attend memorial services ..... as long as it is safe to do so.

Please give my warmest fond regards to those that matter within the club.

Yours

Anton

----------------------------- POSTED 26TH JULY -----------------------------

Following our farewell to Mike in Saltwood, FRFC will open its doors at 12:00 on Tuesday 4th August 2020 to allow us all to raise a glass to him.

We will be strictly observing the Government Covid-19 guidelines. Jan has sorted the logistics out together with an entry and exit system. We will be congregating in Pods of 30 maintaining social distancing. You will be expected to adhere to this guidance to ensure everyone's safety.

If you would like to return to the club afterwards then please let Jan know so we can plan for the numbers.

Many thanks,

Steve Cribbens
Club President

----------------------------- POSTED 24TH JULY -----------------------------

Michaels funeral will be held at OUR LADY OF GOOD COUNSEL Roman Catholic Church, 2 LOWER BLACKHOUSE HILL HYTHE, CT21 5LS at 11:00 hours on Tuesday 4th August 2020 thereafter the cortege will follow the attached route ending up at the Graveyard in Rectory Road, Saltwood.

Unfortunately due to Covid19 restrictions the church can only accommodate 30 persons and this will compose of family members and invited close family friends. The churchyard is also restricted to 30 invited persons.

As you would expect Mike was hugely respected in both his private and public life and there will be a large turn out on the route to honour him. It is suggested that FRFC line the route from Bartholomew Road to the Green Saltwood, and then down Rectory Road to the Graveyard. We will be joined by the Judiciary and Mess. Parking will be at a premium and it is suggested you arrive early. The service is anticipated to last one hour and the cortege should be on the move by 12:00 hours. Please respect the Covid rules and the residents parking.

The dress code will be blazers and ties. Lets have a huge club turnout to honour a very special man.

Steve Cribbens
Club President

----------------------------- POSTED 17TH JULY -----------------------------

It is with the saddest of hearts that I have to inform you that Mike O’Sullivan died last night (16th July 2020)...

Mike was a club stalwart, coach, player, and club president.

He had a brilliant mind and was a criminal barrister and latterly criminal Crown Court judge. Folkestone Rugby Club was his passion and he dedicated many many hours in fighting the Government and Eurotunnel to ensure FRFC got an excellent deal on the sale and purchase of our new grounds. He again took up the sword when our grounds were compulsary purchased to facilitate the Hi-Speed rail link. We were extremely proud of his negotiated settlements which gave us the wonderful clubhouse and grounds we enjoy today.
We will all miss his quick sense of humour and wit and his love of his native Ireland and rugby team.

On behalf of FRFC I send our sincere condolences and love to his wife Collette and all the family. I have spoken with Collette this morning and
I will update you all when I have more details.

Steve Cribbens
Club President