| Members of Ballynahinch Rugby Club were saddened to hear of the death on 12th. December 2011 of Norman “Boots” Newell from Annalong.
Norman began his rugby career at Down High School, then played for King’s Scholars from 1954-58 and then joined Ballynahinch along with his lifelong friend Dem Finney.
He was an outstanding prop forward who played many times for Ulster Juniors and was eagerly pursued by many senior clubs but remained loyal to “The Hinch”.
Norman was a member of the very first Ballynahinch side to play at Ravenhill in the Past Players Cup Final in 1959. Four members of that team attended Norman’s funeral, Joe Carlisle, Leslie Morrow, Henry Keys and Dem Finney as well as Don Wright, Jack Baillie, Jack Rooney, Jim Fitzsimons and Billy Hamilton also club stalwarts of that era.
|
 |
“Boots” took time off from rugby for a few seasons due to family commitments and missed out on the Towns Cup and Junior Cup victories of 1964 and 1966 but returned to play a prominent role in the 1967 Junior Cup victory over his old club King’s Scholars. Arthur Gibson, of that team, was also able to attend the funeral.
As well as being an outstanding rugby player Norman enjoyed walking in the Mournes and led a group of walkers every Wednesday, was a keen canoeist and was a most congenial companion to all those who were sharing his interests.
The President and members of Ballynahinch Rugby Club, especially Norman’s contemporaries, extend their sympathy to his wife Hazel, daughters Ruth and Louise, sons James and Andrew and their families on the loss of a much loved husband, father, grandfather and team mate.
|
