Passing of Ronnie Smyth BEM

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RONNIE SMYTH BEM

 

It is with the deepest sorrow that we inform you of the passing of ANNADALE President, Hockey Ireland Honorary Member and dear friend Ronnie.

Ronnie’s zest for hockey was limitless. He pursued his passion and love for his Club with the intensity of a perfectionist, always striving to improve the character, sportsmanship, performance and enjoyment of the players.

Ronnie cared deeply about all those around him whilst asking little in return. He had a unique mix of generosity with his time, supreme coaching and management skills, humour, and directness but always patient with an instinctive understanding of players of all abilities. A combination of talents from which his Club, Ulster and Ireland benefitted greatly.

Ronnie’s coaching talents were recognised with appointments as Ulster Senior Coach and coach of Ireland at U16, U18 and U21 levels. In addition to achieving the top Irish coaching levels Ronnie also gained the prestigious FIH badge which is the most senior coaching accolade in World Hockey.

Hockey Ireland recognised Ronnie’s immense contribution to the Sport by awarding Ronnie with Honorary Life Membership. This was followed by Her Majesty The Queen awarding a well-deserved British Empire Medal to Ronnie in 2022.

In paying tribute to Ronnie we cannot overlook the loves of his life in wife Liz, sons Andrew and David and daughter Alison to whom we extend our deepest sympathy.

 

Ronnie Smyth – an inspiration to us all.