One hundred not out Dungannon RFC patron Mr Bobbie Mills celebrates his 100th birthday

One hundred not out

It is with great pleasure and delight that we dedicate this page to our beloved patron Mr Bobbie Mills who celebrates his 100th birthday in October. Well known throughout Ireland and further a field, Bobbie has been a member of the Dungannon Club for more than 80 years and it is 50 years ago this season since he took the chair as Ulster Branch president. Perhaps not fit enough to attend matches these days Bobbie did visit Ravenhill recently to see the splendour of the new Kingspan Stadium. Furthermore, he visited Stevenson Park during the first home game and many were glad of the opportunity to speak to the esteemed patron at the Club he served so well for so many years. Having been Club Treasurer for a time Bob continued his support of the Club as Fixture Secretary and was instrumental in securing many of the prestigious senior fixtures when Dungannon entered modern senior rugby in 1954. Many will remember how delighted he was in the 1967-8 season, while serving his second run as Club president, Andy Crawford led Dungannon to a memorable Senior Cup and League double. When the All Ireland League came along in the nineties Bob followed the fortunes of the Club with enthusiasm and no-one was more delighted when Dungannon won the All Ireland title under the tutelage of coach, Willie Anderson. Bob is always re-elected as patron at every AGM and often says; “ It is not what the Club can do for you but what you can do for the Club”. Not many of us may reach 100 but we could all take a leaf out of Bobbie’s book.

Top Middle Bobbie celebrates with a sip of champagne.
Top left & right Bobbie with son Hugh and daughters, Isobel and Roberta.

Below Bobbie is congratulated by Ulster Branch president John Kinnear.