On Saturday morning the honorary Club secretary, Bill Jennings, was refereeing a school game of rugby at Carrickfergus when, without warning, he died suddenly on the pitch.
Bill originated from Connemara and then spent his youth in Manchester. He returned to Ireland to teach in Saint Patrick’s Grammar School in Armagh.
Bill’s rugby career in Ireland stretched from the late ‘60’s through to the ‘80’s. He played for Saint Mary’s College, Dublin. He then moved his allegiance to the Armagh City Club where he played for the successful sides which won the Town’s Cup in 1970-71 and 1980-81. He went on to captain the Armagh side in 1974-75.
In recent years Bill served on the club general committee and was famed for his sterling work as club secretary. He also was known for his refereeing and spent most Saturdays travelling to ref. various games all over the province.
Bill is survived by his wife, Augusta, his two sons and daughter. Indeed, he will be sadly missed by all his friends and club-mates.
Image 1: Bill seen refereeing a recent game at The Palace Grounds.
Image 2: Academy & Armagh sides observe a minute’s silence before their
game at Roughfort on Saturday.
