Ronald William Smyth, 1949 – 2023
Following the death of Ronnie, it is the express wish of the Smyth family that all hockey activity, at every level, should 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.
The Smyth Family