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Many here will know, Irish Hammer (Philip Dunne) was battling a serious medical condition. Sadly, I discovered only today, that he passed away on 11 August (one month after his last WHU post)
For anyone who was not familiar with Philip, a quick run through the “anxiety/depression” thread will show you details of the terrible medical condition he battled so bravely. And all throughout on that thread, despite his personal suffering, he took time to reach out to many posters who were suffering on that thread.
He first came to my attention on here as the cheeky fella posting “Grrr Threads”.
I met him once, but he didn’t know I had. A mate who supplied a service station Philip owned with coffee and he mentioned to me the owner was a mad Hammer season ticket holder and was the brother of an Irish celebrity Chef. It didn’t take long to put two and two together, based on Irish Hammer’s posts. I used the petrol station a lot, and one morning on the way to work he served me. I wanted to say, “you’re Irish Hammer” but thought, that might sound a bit stalker-ish and we just exchanged smiles and thanks as I paid him.
As well as West Ham, he loved his Rugby and I was surprised he didn’t post on the thread about Ireland beating SA. Then I noticed he was missing entirely from the WC thread. I sent him a whomail last week and when no response I became concerned.
Sadly, on checking out the matter further, it came to light that Philip had passed away, without us knowing.
I know some on here met him at games years ago (when he was in good health).
His death notice is linked below:
https://rip.ie/death-notice/philip-dunne-glasnevin-dublin/504693
There is a post about the eulogies:
“The beautiful eulogies this morning captured his spirit so well and I know he would have especially loved those bubbles floating in the air and the West Ham jerseys on display. The humour, decency, love and affection that was expressed was a perfect reflection of the man himself.”
The condolences speak volumes of his generosity and kindness (and worth a read although very sad). I have posted one of the latest condolence from a lady who was an early employer of him (before he went on to become a very successful entrepreneur). Her words below say more than I could ever manage:
“It's 7th October today and I only just heard the news about Philip. Many years ago in the mid '90s, Philip worked as part of my team in CompuStore. He was an absolute dote and I became extremely fond of him.
We worked together for a couple of years and when he was leaving, he handed me one of the most beautiful resignation letters that I ever received. It touched me so much that I cried.
This evening I'm crying again, just thinking of his beautiful soul.
Rest in peace dear Philip!”
Another Hammer gone too soon. RIP Irish Hammer
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