This is the second tragedy the family has had to face in recent years, as the young Cork native’s wife sadly passed away in May 2024 at the age of 35 following a brave cancer battle
Darren Collins
A talented rugby player and young father-of-two from Co Cork who died suddenly earlier this week has been remembered as “a great teammate, a teak tough opponent, but most of all, an absolute gentleman.”
Darren Collins, from Farran in Mourneabbey, passed away “unexpectedly” at Cork University Hospital on Monday, June 15
This is the second tragedy the Collins family has had to face in recent years, as Darren’s wife Aisling sadly passed away in May 2024 at the age of 35 following a battle with breast cancer.
A death notice shared on RIP.ie described Darren as the “darling husband of the late Aisling and adoring father of Adaline and Teddy” who will be “sadly missed by his heartbroken children, devastated parents John and Colette, sister Val, brother Shane, brother-in-law Conor McCarthy, sister-in-law Eleanor Collins (née Barry), nephew Ben, nieces, Katie, Evie and Abbie, father-in-law and mother-in-law Robert and Jacinta Murphy, uncles, aunts, cousins, relatives and a large circle of friends, including his many friends in Muskerry R.F.C. and Muskerry Hunt Club.”
Darren was a supremely gifted rugby player
Darren was a talented rugby player who lined out for Cork side Muskerry RFC, with the club paying an emotional tribute to the popular young man in a message shared online.
“Muskerry RFC’s members, supporters and players extend our deepest sympathies to Darren’s family,” the club said.
“We remember him as a fierce player and a leader on the pitch. Darren played and trained from the front. His strength of limb and character were evident in every game.
“Those of us fortunate to play with him remember his uncompromising physicality and commitment to the cause. It was always a comfort to know he was on our side, and equally dread being his opponent in training.
“We think especially of Darren and Aisling’s children, Adaline and Teddy, Darren’s parents John and Colette and his siblings Shane and Val.
“We will miss our clubman, our teammate, our friend. Ar Dheis Dé go raibh a anam. A Muskerry Sportsman, may he rest in peace.”
Darren in action for Muskerry RFC
A prodigious rugby talent, Darren played two seasons with the Munster Junior team in 2016 and 2017, with a former teammate remembering his “fierceness” on the pitch as paid tribute to the young dad.
“Shocked and saddened to hear of Darren Collins’ passing,” he said
“A gentle giant, a great teammate, a teak tough opponent, but most of all, an absolute gentleman.
“I was lucky enough to share two Munster Junior campaigns with Darren in 2016 and 2017. He was the kind of player every team wanted beside them and nobody wanted to come up against. Fierce on the pitch, but always great company off it.
“My heart goes out to Darren’s children, family, friends, and everyone at Muskerry RFC, Dolphin RFC, and among his Munster Junior teammates.
“Rest in peace, Darren. Gone far too soon.”
Darren alongside his late wife Aisling and their two children, Adaline and Teddy
Many other former teammates of Darren’s also shared emotional tributes, with one person writing: “My deepest sympathies to Darren’s parents, kids, extended family and wide circle of friends on his heartbreaking passing. I played with Darren with the Munster junior team in 2016 and 2017 and against him plenty of times also. He was a gentleman. May he rest in peace.”
Another person wrote: “Sincere condolences to the Collins family and all at Muskerry RFC on Darren’s sudden passing . I have great memories of Darren’s time with the Munster Juniors. He wore the jersey with pride and endeared himself to all who knew him. May He Rest In Peace.”
While a third person said: “Sincere Condolences to all of the Collins and Murphy families at this terribly sad time. We had the pleasure of knowing Darren through Muskerry RFC, he was a great competitor on the field, and a gentleman off the field. May he rest in peace.”
Darren’s funeral mass was held at St Lachteen’s Church in Grenagh on Friday, with the young man then laid to rest at St Senan’s Cemetery.
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