Tribute event for Ronan
TRIBUTES were paid to Huddersfield Giants starlet Ronan Costello yesterday, on the first anniversary of his death.
Several Giants first team players shared memories on social media using the #RC13 hashtag, with the club holding a minute’s silence at 13.13 hours, as a mark of respect.
Former prop forward turned club ambassador Eorl Crabtree and current England centre Leroy Cudjoe both tweeted: “Today at 13.13 I will dedicate a minute of silence to the memory of Ronan Costello, please feel free to join me #RC13”
Ronan, 17, died after a tragic on-field collision, and the wider rugby league community again came out in force to pay their respects yesterday, just as they had done a year ago.
Lizzie Jones, the widow of Danny Jones – the former Keighley Cougars and Welsh international half-back who died during a match in 2015 – also tweeted her condolences.
To mark the occasion, the Giants held a junior rugby tournament yesterday evening in front of large crowds, with teams’ age groups ranging from under 7s, 8s and 9s taking part at Leeds Road playing fields.
The first team and academy squads of the Giants were present at the event, and all members of the public were welcomed to remember Ronan and support the children.
Giants player performance manager Steve Hardisty also paid tribute to Ronan on the Giants website, confirming that the event would be held annually, to ensure Ronan’s legacy lives on.
Speaking before the event, he said: “The festival signifies a celebration of what Ronan dedicated a large part of his life towards, playing the sport of Rugby League, which he loved.
“This comes at a time when he is prevalent in all of our thoughts at Huddersfield Giants, one year on from his passing.
“The legacy left by Ronan is one of inspiration and happiness, and we feel this can be celebrated in the form of scores of young children from a range of local community clubs’ enjoying participating in a Rugby League festival in celebration of Ronan’s life.
“Players from the tournament will also be invited to the Giants v St Helens game tomorrow and will parade at half-time with their special Ronan Costello Tournament participation medals.”