Rugby star takes on a colossal challenge in memory of 'journalistic giant' dad
18.06.2023 - 08:15
/ manchestereveningnews.co.uk
He was aged six, undergoing his rugby union baptism. And as he played at Pownall Park on the junior pitches at Wilmslow Rugby Club, there was a man watching him. The same man would be on the touchline as his career ascended to the professional game, crowned with a stint at one of this country's most famous clubs.
The boy was Charlie Mulchrone, and the man was Paddy, his father. Paddy was a giant of a man, at a strapping six foot one inch, and a rugby playing journalist who was blessed with authentic charm and charisma.
Paddy, who worked for the Manchester Evening News as a reporter and later the Daily Mirror, died aged 64 in October 2020. But he did so a very proud father - both his sons, Charlie, and Fergus, had gone on to play rugby union professionally.
Paddy died surrounded by his family, including his wife, Fiona, at his home in Ireland, where he had gone to retire. He had been living with liver cancer for more than a year. Now Charlie is doing something remarkable in memory of his dad.
Charlie, a scrum half who left Harlequins last month, after a successful spell as a player and part of the coaching staff, said of his father: "He was the most supportive man alive, and came to every game he could. He would always drop me a text after every game to say how proud he and mum were. He loved life, the rugby community and everything that came with it, including the occasional Guinness.
"Dad and mum were the biggest influences on my rugby career. They took me to so many games and practices from the age of six until I was able to drive. And they came to every single game they could. Mum even flew out to Capetown in March to watch me coach against the Stormers. They were hugely supportive but never pushy, just always