I have the very sad duty to advise you of the death of Dermot, father to Noel and James, who as many of you will know, have played for and against us. Dermot was a very long standing friend and supporter of Mount and a very dear friend of many of the members.

I have received this e-mail from his wife, Hetty:

It is with huge sadness that I'm writing to tell you that Dermot died on Sunday evening. He peacefully slipped away in his sleep, whilst I was having my bath, after a weekend of enjoying both the rugby and the Grand Prix on television.

It's almost 2 years to the day that we received the devastating news of his cancer. He was always so stoic and good-humoured through the long months of chemotherapy, but when he contracted C-difficile in October, it ultimately was too much. Over a fortnight in hospital left him weak and exhausted; his love of life remained undiminished but he physically could no longer sustain it.

Dermot's funeral is to be at 12 noon, Thursday December 6th at the Holy Trinity Church in Long Sutton, Langport, Somerset. His cremation will follow at Yeovil for family only, and - at his most specific request - a Champagne party afterwards to which you are all invited. This will probably be held in Ilchester - but details will be announced in Church. Noel, James, Robert, Edward and I hope you can join us.

I know a number of people are planning on making the trip to Somerset on Thursday and suggest you contact me if you are thinking of going so we can arrange transport for everyone.