Denman Brush announce the passing of Dr John Rainey

February 12, 2026

Everyone at Ulster Hockey is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Dr John Rainey, a former hockey player and long-term sponsor of the Denman Shield.

Having played hockey at RBAI in the 1960s, John went on to play in the Ulster Premier League, representing Parkview, Bangor and Cliftonville Hockey Clubs, the latter of which he represented in the 1982 Irish Cup Final.

With his hometown of Bangor, he was club captain from 1979-81 before going on to be club chair.

In 2014, John was awarded an MBE four outstanding contribution to development in Northern Ireland before being awarded an Honorary Doctorate from Queen’s University for his distinction in business and commerce.

The chairman of both companies, Denman and Denroy, he gave back to the sport through his long-term sponsorship of Ulster’s premier women’s cup competition, the Denman Shield.

As a mark of respect to John’s commitment to the sport, Ulster Hockey ask that all four clubs competing in this season’s Denman Shield Semi-Finals hold a minute’s silence before the games – the first of which takes place next week between Larne and Queen’s University.

Announcing his passing on social media, both companies said:

“It is with deep sadness that we share the sudden and heartbreaking passing of our beloved Chairman, Dr John Rainey, who left us in the early hours of this morning.
From all of us at Denroy and Denman, this loss is immeasurable.
Dr John was so much more than a Chairman. As the leader of a proud family business, he poured his heart into every aspect of Denroy and Denman.
His dedication was rooted in the same love, care, and integrity he had for his own family; a family he adored and spoke of with immense pride and affection. They were his greatest joy, and the foundation of everything he built.”

Bangor Hockey Club also issued a statement on social media, adding:

“We are deeply saddened to learn the passing of JR
JR was club captain of Bangor Men’s Hockey from 1979-81. He was a great friend to the club, and was very generous in his sponsorship of many events over the years, most notably the Bangor Sixes tournament.
A Vice President of the club, John, continued to attend social events and the annual club dinners.
As a mark of respect, tonight’s scheduled Minor Cup semi-final match between Bangor men’s 5s and 6s has been postponed.
Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this sad time.”
The following funeral arrangements have been made:
Monday 16th February at Donaghadee Parish, Church Place, Donaghadee, BT21 0DE at 11:30, followed by a burial at Clandeboye cemetery, 300 Old Belfast Road, Bangor, BT19 1GR.

All are warmly invited back to the Royal Ulster Yacht Club to celebrate, share memories and honour John’s life and huge legacy.

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