Keighley Cougars mourn passing of volunteer who did it all

An otherwise celebratory weekend, which saw Cougars hammer Bulls 34-6 in the Betfred Championship for their first competitive win over them since 1945 was tinged with sadness after the passing of David Kirkley.

David was the true definition of a club legend, having spent decades at Cougar Park in a variety of key off-field roles.

Paying tribute to him on their club website, Keighley said: "Keighley Cougars are sad to announce the sudden passing of David Kirkley at the age of 72.

"David was dearly loved by all the board, staff players and supporters at the club. 

"He was a part of the volunteer backroom staff that made gameday work so well.

"From video man, photographer, testimonial committee member, journalist, kitman, caterer to painter, David has been involved in many roles at the club.

"Nothing was too much trouble for David and he had been involved longer than most of us can remember.

"The players wore black armbands on Sunday and held a minute’s applause in respect to an absolute gentleman and true stalwart of Keighley Cougars.

"David you will be sadly missed by everyone at Cougars, and we will forever be grateful for all your efforts.

"Our thoughts are with David’s friends and family at this time."

David Kirkley was devoted to the Keighley Cougars, and helped out the club hugely in a variety of roles. (Image: UGC.)

Fellow Cougars stalwart Michael Ford also paid tribute, saying: "I'm shattered to hear this.

"I was in touch with him only two weeks ago about the Keighley RLFC archives. 

"David and I were proud to be honoured as ‘Supporters of the Year’ in 2000. We had worked together to found Keighley’s ‘Hall of Fame’ and developed it over a two-year period.

"We’d worked together on the programme too.

"David was Keighley through-and-through. He deserves to be remembered as a lifelong servant of the club."