[A] piece of the soul of Ft. Collins rugby moved on this week. Paul Ireland, a founding member of both CSU and Ft. Collins rugby clubs died this past Monday after a six month struggle. Legend has it that during a Monday Night Football drink up at his house the name Flamingos was born.

Paul is fourth generation military and a highly decorated Vietnam era green beret. At his memorial service yesterday he was posthumously awarded the Legion of Merit, something like the eighth highest medal the military awards and one of only two United States medals authorized to be worn around the neck; the other being the Congressional Medal of Honor. If there ever was a soldier you would want to thank for his or her service, Paul would be the one.

Unfortunately, I never played even one phase of rugby with Paul. When I moved here he was recovering from career ending knee surgery, which back in the day before scopes was not an uncommon result. However, Paul’s joy of life, the warmth of his friendship and his love of rugby makes him my favorite Flamingo. So, if just past 2:00PM this afternoon you feel a slight shudder, it is part of the soul of this club being laid to rest at Ft. Logan National Cemetery and hopefully moving on to a greener pitch.

Thanks for indulging me as I process. Just thought you’d want to know a bit of how deep the roots of this club are.

Larry

Please visit www.allnutt.com to view Paul’s online obituary, sign the family guestbook and send condolences.

Direct link to obituary.