Ulster Hockey were saddened to hear of the loss of Arthur (Artie) O’Neill. Artie was a life member of Ulster Hockey will be sadly missed by everyone.
Below is a short history of Artie and his love and affection for Pegasus Hockey Club. Written by Hilary Brady.
Artie as he was affectionately known, was associated with Pegasus since its foundation in 1961 when his wife Hilary was one of the Clubs founding members.
Artie who went to Methodist College Belfast was seeped in sport, loved athletics and was an outstanding middle distance runner and in latter years he enjoyed playing bowls and had many friendships at Belfast Bowling Club, Harlequins. Hockey and Pegasus however were his real love and such was his interest that he became well known in the sport as the ladies hockey correspondent for the Ireland Saturday Night newspaper for many years.
He umpired for the Club for over 40 years, trained the team for its first oversees tours to Scotland and Weymouth in the 1960’s and to Arnhem in Holland in 1971 where they played 7 matches in 3 days, winning 6 and drawing 1 and eventually winning the Ladies Section of the tournament. This set the tone for many oversees tours and European Club Championships for Pegasus.
He presented the impressive Presidential Chain of Office to the Club in memory of his dear wife Hilary in 1996.
Artie was first and foremost an umpire, mentor, ardent fan and unstinting supporter of Pegasus and his vocal support from the sidelines was legendary. All our members have wonderful memories of his association with the Club. We hope we may be able to celebrate his life sometime in 2021.
Everyone will be aware of the wonderful care that Artie received from Brenda and we send her and his daughters Caitriona, Alison and Natalie all of our deepest sympathy and sincere condolences.
We would like to extend our best wishes and condolences to Artie’s family and everyone at Pegasus Hockey Club.
#hockeyfamily
