On Wednesday evening the Club held a special evening in the clubhouse to honour the achievement of David Workman becoming the first member of the club to reach the highest office in the Province, that of President.

It was a tremendous evening for David and his family as the evening to form of a This Is Your Life style format. Many guests had assembled from across the Province and beyond with Philip Gregg acting as MC he welcomed everyone to the evening. Arthur Gibson was first to speak as he gave a run down of David’s career from his arrival at Ballynahinch to the present day. Ulster Rugby captain Rory Best presented a signed Magners League ball from the Ulster team and Club President Trevor Brown unveiled a photographed on the clubhouse wall of David in his Ulster Blazer at Ravenhill.

Philip Gregg then interviewed a number of guests about David’s playing career. Family members, his brother Ross and nephew Neil spoke first then John Campbell spoke about his time at Ballymoney, Ian McIlwrath spoke of his Ballymena playing days and Ian Kidd a former Club Coach had a number of amusing stories to tell. David Dodds from Banbridge and Gerry O’Donnell from Balina both had fond memories and spoke of past encounters on and off the pitch.

Finally Sir Nigel Hamilton brought matters up to date speaking about David’s considerable efforts at the Branch as an administrator. Letters of apology were read on behalf of IRFU President Der Healy and IRFU member John Callaghan.

The formal proceedings were brought to a close with the Club President Trevor Brown presenting David with a special photographic montage and his wife Ashley presented Flora Workman with a bouquet of flowers.

After the formal proceedings the gathering enjoyed an excellent supper provided by the Ladies Committee.

It was great to see so many past players, family members, friends and Ulster Branch Officials gathered in one venue to pay tribute to a man who has given so much to the Ballynahinch Rugby Club and to Ulster Rugby.

Thanks to Philip Marshall who stood in for Beaker as official photographer to record the evening.