No issue at all Sea Point with your suggestion - I just think it needs to be noted in some way, as a mark of respect , to a great guy who got a lot of things going for / at / with the Clan.

Wasrednowgreen wrote: Think its appropriate that the Connacht Clan re-names one of its end of year awards - Young Player of the Year, Player of Year etc. - in honour of Leighton.

Was thinking a bit more about this. Would naming the Bursary provided by the Clan to our Academy players after Leighton be a better choice.
I think it taps into more of who Leighton was, in terms of love for Connacht Rugby, pride in the region and our local players, and helping people out..?.

Think its appropriate that the Connacht Clan re-names one of its end of year awards - Young Player of the Year, Player of Year etc. - in honour of Leighton.

Thanks for the kind words and observations on my brother. Myself and my family have taken a lot of comfort from it.

He was a passionate Connacht supporter and was delighted that the Clan had gone from strength to strength. I remember him telling Mossie in O’Connell’s that he was going up to a clan meeting and having to explain to a few American who had taken exception to hearing this that it wasn’t the Klan they were thinking of. This led to a 15 minute conversation where he tried to explain the rules/laws of rugby to them.

Typical Leighton to be honest. He was a unique individual and will be very sorely missed in the coming weeks and months ahead.

I was travelling out from town today, past the Huntsman, and it reminded me of the first time I met Leighton. I got involved with the first steering committee of the Connacht Clan and Leighton was its first President. Our first meetings were held at the Huntsman.

Every organisation begins with, and needs, a solid foundation . Leighton was one of (if not) the driving forces of that foundation. His love of Connacht Rugby, intellect and knowledge of all things rugby came though in every conversation I had with him. He was a gentleman and ,without him, the Clan wouldn't have become the great organisation it is today.

He and his brother Aaron were fabulous people to deal with whilst I worked on the steering committee.

I'm deeply saddened to hear the terrible news of his sudden passing. Far far too young to be taken.

It was a pleasure to have met him.

Sincerest condolences to Aaron and all the rest of Leighton's extended family.

#RIPLeighton

I knew Leighton better from the Galwegians side of things.

Reffed his team on numerous occasions and he was always easy to get on with, made our lives a lot easier.

A true gentleman and will be missed .

RIPLeighton

Knew Leighton from the ICRSC days that predated the Clan. Spent a lot of time in his company on away trips to UK & France. A really good guy with a real grá for Rugby. Will be very much missed. Heartfelt condolences to his brother Aaron and their family and close friends.....

#RIPLeighton

Leighton was a great guy, and fantastic Connacht fan.

Without him I doubt I would ever have gotten involved with the Clan. He came over to me in O'Connell's (post match) with Pat Carr and floated the idea of all of us getting involved. First ever President of the committee, and before that of course he was involved with the ICRSC and active on the old forum.

The Sportsground won't be the same without him.

Very sad news, RIP Leighton and condolences to his family.

RIP Leighton. Thanks for all your work in getting the Clan off the ground, it was greatly appreciated, you will be missed.

Chatted to him a handful of times over the years and he was always a gent. Very sad. RIP.

RIP Leighton

Terribly sad news. RIP, Leighton. A gentleman.

The Connacht Clan are saddened to hear of the sudden passing of Leighton Turner. Leighton was a founder and served as first President of the Connacht Clan.

The thoughts of the Committee of the Connacht Clan, and of the great Connacht Rugby family, are with Leightons friends and family, and especially with his brother Aaron who served a Committee Member for many years.

Reposing at Cassadh an Taoille, Currane on Friday evening from 6 o clock with removal to Our Lady Queen of the Universe Church, Currane arriving at 8pm. Funeral Mass on Saturday morning at 11am with burial afterwards in Polranny Cemetery.

Family flowers only please and Donations to Achill Island RNLI .

www.rip.ie/showdn.php?dn=357616/LeightonTURNER/Achill/Mayo