Death Notice Betty Henderson

Hockey Ireland is saddened to hear of the death of Betty Henderson (nee Kyle), who passed away peacefully on Thursday 24th November, at the age of 94. Betty had an amazing hockey career which started off at Belfast Royal Academy, where she played on the School’s 1stX1 at the age of 13. A year later she not only played for Ulster Schools but also for the Ulster Senior Ladies Team. Her love of sports took her to Ling Teacher Training College in Dublin. She wasn’t selected by Ulster that year, so attended trials for Leinster and was selected to play for Leinster that season. The following year she was back on the Ulster Team.

Betty was inducted into Hockey Ireland’s Hall of Fame in 2006. During her international career, she was a stalwart of the Irish team, winning 26 caps over an eleven-year period from 1948-1959. She was a member of the Triple Crown-winning team in 1950 and captained Ireland against South Africa in 1953. Betty was said to be one of the most influential players in Irish hockey in the 1950s.

Our condolences go to Betty’s daughters, Lynne, Jan, Kim and Tanya and to their families at this sad time.