It is with extreme sadness to hear of the passing of former player and umpire Joyce Neill who passed away on the 14th of October 2023.
Joyce started her hockey career with Gallahers LHC and then joined Knock LHC. On retirement from playing, she took up the whistle and became a leading umpire for many years. Joyce became an International A Umpire, Ulster Interpros Umpire and umpired for schools. She also umpired at club level for Knock and Owls. She served on the Ulster and Ireland A Umpires Committees. She was awarded the Mrs. Winnifred Templeton Trophy for services to hockey. Joyce was also a life Member of UH.
Joyce`s other passion and interest was Women`s Cricket in which she excelled as a bowler. She was selected to play in the first Irish Women`s Cricket international against New Zealand. She played for the newly formed Belfast Women`s Cricket Club. In more recent years she played social golf and then bowls at Cavehill Bowling Club. Joyce was well liked and respected at all levels in her long service to her chosen sports.
The funeral details are as follows:-
Funeral is on Wednesday 18th October at 12 noon in O`Kane`s Funerals, 118 Donegall Street, Belfast BT1 2GX.
Followed by burial in Our Lady`s Acre Cemetery.
No flowers.
Donations in lieu if so desired to Alzheimer`s UK c/o O’Kane’s Funeral Directors.
Details are on O`Kane`s website.
