Ulster Rugby fan and former clergyman Rev Canon Noble Hamilton gets special visit from John Cooney for 100th birthday

During the Covid pandemic Cooney had a video call with Rev Canon Noble Hamilton – to give the 100-year-old his full title – to check up on him as he recovered at home in Waringstown following a burst appendix.

Noble’s daughter Judith Orr said: “Ulster Rugby have been very good to him, they’ve given him a real lift.

“John Cooney in particular – he’s a very nice manner with him. Daddy was very animated when he came yesterday.

Noble, himself a fine rugby player in his youth, has five daughters, eight grandchildren and six great grandchildren and many of them along with their partners will be celebrating his 100th birthday with a party at Iveagh House on Saturday.

As well as receiving a telegram from the King and Queen and the President of Ireland, Noble has also had a visit from the mayor of ABC Council Margaret Tinsley along with MLA for the area Diane Dodds.

He also got a visit from a couple of his old buddies – Ken Thompson and John Robinson – whom he used to go to rugby matches with.

Judith said: “People have been very kind, he’s had lots of visitors and birthday wishes.”

Ulster Rugby sent the following birthday greeting: “A very happy 100th birthday to Noble Hamilton.

“A life long rugby fan, Noble has been an Ulster Rugby Season Ticket Holder for as long as he can remember.”

The official Ireland rugby Twitter page also wished Noble “a very happy 100th birthday”.

They added: “We were delighted to have Noble in attendance at Aviva Stadium in March for our Grand Slam celebrations.”

There were plenty of well wishers commenting on a Facebook post from Ulster Rugby that showed John Cooney visiting Noble in Iveagh House.

Former Dean of Belfast Houston McKelvey said: “Well done Ulster Rugby and thanks to all involved. As a colleague of Canon Noble I am delighted.”

Kyle Geddis said: “An absolute legend of a man, held in extreme high regard in our village of Waringstown and a true gentleman. Wishing you a very happy birthday Mr Hamilton.”

Jennifer McMurtry commented: “Sat behind the Reverend Hamilton and his friend in the old grandstand for many years. One of life’s gentlemen.

"Many happy returns Noble and well done Ulster Rugby for rewarding his long-standing support!”

Keith Scott said: “Lovely by Ulster Rugby, all four home teams have great warmth with the fans, not seen as much here in England.”

Alister Minnis commented: “Noble was my minister during my childhood and teenage years.

"It was worth going to church just to hear his command of language.

"A lovely man and delighted he has reached this landmark.”