It is with great sadness that I have to report the death of Ron McCarten aged 84, former Club Captain, Red Tie holder, Vice-President and former Irish International

Ron died on the 29th January 2021. He was taken into hospital last September with pneumonia and with covid issues. Whilst in hospital he was diagnosed with dementia. He was discharged from hospital into a care home and had the first covid vaccination some ten days ago. Regretfully this proved of no avail as he caught that dreadful disease and could not fight it. Fortunately his wife Edna had a call from the home saying that Ron was fading and she managed to spend ten minutes with him before he died.

He played for Ireland earning 3 International caps on the wing against England, Wales & France in the 5 Nations of 1960/61. His CV includes playing for London Irish, Middlesex and Cumbria. Coming to Oldham, to teach at St Albans, he joined Oldham RUFC having previously played for Workington RUFC. Playing most of his rugby at full back for Oldham he was a fast elusive player with great defensive qualities Captaining the Club in the 1967/68 & 1969/70 seasons. He was full of fun, a great character and one of life's gentlemen.

The funeral is on Wednesday next ,February 3rd at his old college, Castleknock in Ireland, where he taught for many years. The Mass and crematorium Service can be seen on YouTube etc - details of the funeral, donations etc are shown in the link below.

Ronald (Ron) McCarten Death Notice | Cunninghams Funeral Directors (cunninghamsfunerals.com)

With the current travel restrictions in place their sons, James, Phillip and families, who live in England, are not able to attend the funeral which is a real blow for Edna.

Yet another iconic club member we have lost. The Club sends its condolences to Edna, James & Philip and extended families.

Steve Fox