It is with great sadness that MRHC reports the passing of Andrew McCullagh. Details are not fully known, but it is understood that he passed away in his sleep on Sunday morning. Andy was a member of the club for almost ten years playing in every age group and winning numerous honours. Andy lived his life as a model to those around him, both as a person, and as a hockey player. His love for the game was infectious and the sport will truly miss a young man with so much enthusiasm and dedication. He was studying Chemical Engineering at Sheffield University, but never missed the opportunity to come home to train and play.
He regularly coached younger members of the club and took great pleasure in others enjoying the game in the same way he did. Andy played the game at 100%. He was an inspiration to his team mates and would regularly challenge for 70-30 balls he had no right to win, and come out with the ball. Most recently he scored the winning goal in the National Junior Cup Final and was a key player in Boro’s Senior National League Cup Final win. He was a member of Middlesbrough’s ‘dream team’ at Schoolboy level, where in 2002 the team won every single regional and national league and cup match they played that season. They were honoured as Teesside’s best team by the local council and press, beating all other amateur and professional clubs and teams in the area. Andy was all set for another season of hockey, and will be deeply missed by all at Middlesbrough, and those who knew him in the English hockey world, which despite the obvious competition, is a close knit group.
Our thoughts are with Andy’s family and friends and as a mark of respect MRHC shall be permanently retiring the No.7 shirt from the senior squad.
Greame Stewart, Andy’s closest friend summed up the feeling in Middlesbrough “Andy Mac, you will be sorely missed mate, words just can’t sum up how devastated we all are.”
Funeral Arrangements will be advised soon. Please contact Graeme on 07960 441 046 if you would like to send your condolences to Andy’s family.
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Tony Czifra
