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Eileen Dallaglio, the Marchioness campaigner, dies
Chris Jones, Rugby Correspondent4 Dec 2008
Eileen Dallaglio, the campaigning mother of former England rugby captain Lawrence, died today after a long battle against cancer.
The 70-year-old, well-known for her St George outfits at international rugby matches, successfully battled for changes in the law after her daughter was killed in the Marchioness disaster on the Thames.
Francesca, 19, was the youngest of the 51 partygoers to die in the 1989 tragedy when the pleasure boat they were on sunk after a collision with a dredger.
Mrs Dallaglio played a key role in the Marchioness action group, successfully demanding a public inquiry and legal reforms. Lawrence Dallaglio said today: "My mother was the cornerstone of my life. She showed a courage and determination that both humbled and inspired me and showed an unflinching pride in our country which made me proud and will stay with me forever."
Mrs Dallagio was born in the East End, the ninth of 10 children and started work at 15, displaying the drive and determination she would transmit to her son in his sporting career.
She married Vincenzo, now 73, who had arrived in Britain from Italy in 1968. Francesca was born a year later and Lawrence in 1972.
One of Dallaglio's strongest memories from his youth is of his mother and father greeting him in true Italian style with a kiss on both cheeks as he left school each day.
He was sent to King's House prep school in Kew and then Ampleforth College in North Yorkshire, where he discovered rugby. His mother would send him new rugby kits as presents.
Lawrence added: "She was a true woman of substance in every sense, gutsy, formidable and feisty and knew everything about rugby and wasn't afraid to challenge anyone.
"Most importantly to me and to my sister, she was a wonderful mother, friend and mentor to our children, an amazing grandmother. A lot of people will miss her. She leaves a big gap in all our lives."
Reader views (6)
We have known Eileen for 30 years and saw Lawrence and Francesca growing up. She was a truly remarkable person. Kind, generous, funny, she possessed a warm heart and irrepressible spirit that left an impression wherever she went. She was able to make her mark in any company, from the most humble to royalty itself. Her dogged fight for justice and fair play was an inspiration. We know she will be desperately missed by Vincent, Lawrence and her extended family.
- Peter And Kk, Twickenham, 06/12/2008 10:36
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I had the pleasure to meet Mrs Dallaglio many many times and have to say what a wonderful lady she was. She was immensly proud of Lawrence and didn't hesitate to tell anyone who would listen. I remember one occasion at Wasps when she arrived to a match, Lawrence was surrounded by children and signing various items. Mum walks up to him and say 'hello Lawrence' reply 'hello mother' mother says 'glad to see you ironed your shirt today'. When I looked it had obviously not seen an iron or ironing board!!!! He was duly bashfull. She walked away laughing...
- Carole, West Sussex, Chichester, West Sussex, 05/12/2008 14:21
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A truly inspirational woman, a kind and generous spirit. I had the privilege to meet her on a number of occasions. In 1989 we both became members of a 'club' no parent wants to join, we both lost daughters, Francesca died 20/8/89, Claire 11/12/89. Through my love of rugby watching her son, I came to meet her at Twickenham, having previously written to her, she remembered my letters. She was very kind, she gave me autographs to use to give money to the Children Hospice South West founded by another inspirational woman Pride of Britain winner Gill Farwell(and her husband Eddie). On one occasion at Twickenham after a Cup Final she invited my family and my sons friend to join the family in the car park for refreshments. Two rugby barmy boys, very happy, wanting pictures to prove to their friends that it really happened. She made their day, their week, their year. Earth's loss is heavens gain. To the Dallaglio family you are in our hearts, thoughts and prayers. Thank you for allowing us to share a few precious moments of Eileens life. Good night, God Bless the Hamilton/Chan Clan.
- Joy Hamilton, bradworthy, devon, 05/12/2008 12:26
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What an inspiration to all Mother's.
- Mary Balfour, London, 04/12/2008 18:41
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I never met any member of the family and I'm not much interested in Rugby. I have a vivid memory of hearing Eileen Dallagio interviewed on radio 4 about the campaigning she did after her daughter's death and the Rugby World Cup final. That's enough for me to pay tribute to her memory.
- Alan Griffiths, Forest Gate, LONDON. UK, 04/12/2008 18:11
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I saw Mrs Dallaglio at Brisbane airport the morning after England won the world cup in 2003. She was singing her son's praises and let everyone know how amazingly proud she was of him. She made us all smile while in the queue at 7am.
- Nickie, London, 04/12/2008 17:53
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