Maurice (Mossie) Collins RIP

It with great sadness that we learn of the passing of Mossie Collins, last evening. Mossie was a legend of Irish Squash and someone who made a huge contribution to the game and to so many players over the years, who he coached, mentored and encouraged.

The board of Irish Squash and all Mossie’s friends in Irish Squash would like to extend its sympathy to his wife Kate and children Rosie, Maurice, Chris and the extended family on his passing. 

 

Please see the funeral notice from RIP.ie below.

The death has occurred of Dr. Maurice T. Collins
Mount Merrion, Dublin

(Peacefully) at home. Beloved husband of Kate and the late Ann, loving father of Rosie, Maurice, Chris and the late Elaine and step father to Mark, Liam and Frank. Sadly missed by his family, son-in-law Maurice, daughters-in-law Fiona and Monica, his adored grandchildren Rory, Kate, Stevie, Eddie and Sam, sisters Mary and Margie, nieces, nephews, extended family and many friends.

REST IN PEACE

Reposing at home on Sunday, November 17th, from 4pm to 6pm. Funeral Mass on Monday, November 18th, at 11.30am in the Church of St. Thérèse, Mount Merrion, followed by burial at Shanganagh Cemetery.

 

An appreciation of Mossie by Ann Sheppard

“The number of hours, days, months and even years that Mossie has unselfishly given to coaching juniors can only be regarded as an historical contribution to the game and to Old Belvedere” (Harry Walsh 1987 – the Commemorative Booklet 1962-1987 for Old Belvedere Squash Rackets Club.) and so it continued for many decades – that is Mossie’s contribution to Irish squash and squash players in general, continued as player, coach, advisor and mentor.

Mossie returned from England in December 1971, joined Old Belvedere and immediately began to take up squash seriously and it was from that time on that the club became a serious competitor in the leagues. How many players who have watched or played against Mossie were not awe struck by his amazing precision – that lob serve that died in the far corner, that drop shot that always got the nick. This precision enabled him to continue his flourishing squash career to well in his 70s and to have held the record of the most capped Irish Veteran International player.

By 1987 Old Belvedere had produced 22 Junior Interprovincial players and 6 junior internationals, these included his four children – Rosie, Elaine, Maurice and Chris The men’s and women’s teams under his watchful eye and guidance won the Leinster league many times and all Ireland championships on several occasions. But it was not only the members and teams in Old Belvedere that benefitted from Mossie’s tutelage he coached and mentored so many Leinster juniors and future senior internationals. He was a regular presence at interprovincial tournaments and competitions, sometimes in an official capacity more often just out of interest in the game and the players.

Mossie could talk for hours on every aspect of squash and every aspect of each individual’s technique and style of play. This attention to detail and personal touch was part and parcel of his daily professional life as a medical doctor to which he added his pioneering research.

Mossie could also talk for hours on many other subjects too, he loved all sport, he was a scientist, a researcher, a lover of music, convivial company and a gentleman. Behind all of this was his raison d’etre, his backbone – his family.

Our sympathies go to them – Kate, Rosie, Maurice and Chris and to his grand children.

Ar dheis de go raibh a anam.

Ann Sheppard