David Balbirnie with Des Simon and his family at his 100th year birthday celebrations.
On Tuesday 20 September 2016 Des Simon, a Past President of the former Irish Hockey Union and Hockey Ireland Honorary Life Member, celebrated his 100th birthday.
Des, a long standing member of Cliftonville Hockey Club, has made an immense contribution to Ulster and Irish Hockey. In addition to his roles above he has been President and Honorary Secretary of the Ulster Branch and was awarded his FIH Badge when he took up umpiring after his playing days were over.
David Balbirnie, Member of Honour of the EHF, candidate for the FIH Presidency and Trustee of The Hockey Museum was delighted to be amongst the guests of close friends and family. “There is no doubt that Des has made a huge contribution to the early years of Irish Hockey. His ever smiling face and attitude, with an openness to change, were useful attributes over the many years that he served. To be here on Des’s special day reminds me of the core values of hockey worldwide, family friendly, dedicated volunteers and life time friends that we meet along the way. It is a personal pleasure for me to call Des a friend and to wish him continued health surrounded by his family and friends.”
On behalf of the European hockey family we wish Des, who we believe could be the oldest hockey ex-President, a wonderful birthday!
This article first appeared on the EHF website here.
