Tributes paid to 'godfather of hockey coaching' and Annadale Hockey Club legend Ronnie Smyth

Mr Smyth, who was in his early seventies and living in a care home, is credited with helping Annadale rise to become one of Ireland’s leading hockey clubs.

He was born in the Holylands area of Belfast and his love of sport began on the football pitch with Linfield Youth team and on the hockey pitch with Annadale Hockey Club.

Ulster Hockey said: “As both a teacher and sports coach Ronnie began to impact positively on the lives of young people in our community where he managed teams in both basketball and hockey. Ronnie managed the first Irish Boys International Hockey team and coached at Ulster and Ireland levels.

“Ronnie has been an integral figure in Annadale Hockey Club since its foundation and the club can look to Ronnie’s commitment and devotion which was a driving force behind AHC becoming one of Ireland’s leading men’s clubs. Ronnie played and coached Annadale and was central to the formation of the junior system at the club which has produced a large number of international players.

“Professionally, following his teaching career, Ronnie’s love of sport and impact on developing sport systems led to him being employed by the Sports Council Northern Ireland (now Sport NI). In a long and distinguished career his input contributed to the success of sport in the region at all levels.

“In 2022, Ronnie was deservedly recognised by Queen Elizabeth II in her Jubilee Honours list where he received a British Empire Medal for his services to hockey and youth sport.

“To many, Ronnie is thought of as ‘The Godfather of Ulster Hockey Coaching’. Ronnie was a genuine legend of local sport and it is no exaggeration to say the sport of hockey and Ulster Hockey would not be where it is now without Ronnie’s involvement. The number of hockey players past and present, at all levels of the game who were inspired by Ronnie is almost impossible to quantify.

“Ronnie was great coach, a committed hockey man and a gentleman. Above all, he was also a husband, father and grandfather.”

His club Annadale said the Smyth family wanted all hockey activity to go ahead as planned: “He would never forgive us, if we let his passing get in the way of an opportunity for others to play.

“Should schools or clubs wish to pay tribute to Ronnie, please do so with applause, laughter, friendship and the encouragement of your teams from the sidelines, rather than silence. He was never a man for silence!

“Finally, rather than black armbands, we would ask clubs to consider the involvement of as many young people as possible at senior games this weekend. Pack them on to the pitches before matches, after matches and, where possible, at half time intervals. Make them feel a special part of the day and a big part of their club. Just as Ronnie always did.

“No darkness in his passing, only light in his hopes for the future generation and that they may grow to love the game, as he did.”