Wellington College Belfast Sports Department were very saddened to hear of the death of Ronnie Smyth. Ronnie contributed to many sporting activities throughout Northern Ireland and beyond, and WCB was fortunate to have had his help on numerous occasions. In particular, Ronnie was instrumental in arranging Irish international hockey players to coach in the College, such as Michael Robson and Graham Shaw.

Ronnie was a key member of Annadale Hockey Club and as both a player and particularly as a coach contributed so much to Ulster and Irish hockey. His sons – Andrew and David – attended Wellington College Belfast and followed in their father’s footsteps in terms of their sportsmanship and positive attitude to sport. Ronnie dedicated so much of his life to his family and sport and his death brings a huge loss to Northern Irish sport.

Our thoughts are with his family at this time.