Anniesland Rugby is shocked by the tragic news of the sudden death of
Glasgow Accies Coach Gordon Mackay

Gordon had a long and distinguished career playing for Glasgow
Accies,Stirling County and he was a member of the Glasgow Hawks League
and Cup winning side of 1997-98 who also beat Toulouse.at Old
Anniesland
A Scotland under 21 cap he was a member of the first Glasgow
Professional team in 1997 later playing in France with Lyon where injury
ended his career

Last season Gordon along with Donald Reid took over the coaching reins
at Glasgow Accies mid term steering them clear of relegation.

Glasgow Accies Rugby Chairman Gordon Wilson paid tribute saying"the
leadership given by Gordon was immense and the club is determined that
the groundwork laid by Gordon and Donald will take the club forward
this coming season"

At this sad time our thoughts are with his wife Irenne his children
Sandy and Archie his brother Neil and his parents Andy and Margaret

A full appreciation will appear later



The Herald reports

Former rugby star dies, aged 39
CHRIS WATT July 25 2008

Former rugby player Gordon Mackay, 39, has died of a suspected heart attack.

His body was found at his home in Glasgow yesterday after he failed to turn up to an appointment with his wife and two young children.

Friends described the death as "a bolt out of the blue" and praised Mr Mackay as a devoted father and loving husband, as well as a talented rugby player.


Mr Mackay will be remembered for a long and illustrious playing career, a highlight of which was his try at Murrayfield for the Glasgow Hawks during their victory over Kelso in the 1998 Scottish Cup Final. Mr Mackay also played for Glasgow Academicals, after attending Glasgow Academy as a boy.

Former team-mate Andy Nichol remembered him from their days together in the Scottish Schools team in 1986.

He said: "He was a wonderful rugby player - big, fast, strong, dynamic, and he could really handle the ball. There are less talented players that have gone on to get a place in the Scotland squad.

"He was one of the good guys; he had a great attitude, and never lost that sense of fun even when he was playing at a high level. He will be sorely missed."

Mr Mackay had a busy life as the owner of west end coffee shop Jelly Hill, which he recently sold, and as a property developer.

This article was originally posted on 24-Jul-2008, 19:35 by Hugh Barrow.
Last updated by Hugh Barrow on 25-Jul-2008, 11:24.