Over 100 mourners packed the St Augustine of Hippo Church in St Austell to say farewell to Bernie Shepherd. Close family members were joined by members of St Austell RFC, resplendent in their red and white shirts and striped blazers in honour of their former Chair. Many of those gathered wore the black and gold of Cornwall including members of Trelawny's Army who shared many a journey with Bernie traversing the country to watch the County side. There were people from right across Cornish rugby community paying their respects including CRFU President John Sumnall.

There was not a dry eye in the Church as Bernie’s daughter Karla gave a touching eulogy full of humour and love for a man held dear by many. A rousing rendition of “Cornwall My Home” was a fitting tribute as Bernie started his final journey, with the hearse departing through a guard of honour formed by Saints players from across the decades to provide the applause and a chorus of “Oggy Oggy Oggy “ in gratitude to someone who gave so much to the Club.

A smaller gathering of family and close friends followed at Penmount Crematorium in Truro before returning for the Wake at Tregorrick. Laughter and smiles were the order of the day as people exchanged their memories of Bernie – a fitting tribute to a True Saint.

Bernie Shepherd RIP.