Lisnagarvey’s Bobby Howard B.E.M was presented the Carson Clarke Memorial Award for Outstanding Contribution to Men’s Hockey in Ulster on Wednesday afternoon
The 95-year-old received his award from Carson’s son Geoff, alongside Ulster Hockey President Margaret McCormack and Vice President Mervyn Logan.
Carson Clarke passed away in 2014 having dedicated his life to hockey and having been involved in the sport in a wide range of roles.
A former player for Dunmurry/Beechlwan HC he went on to umpire both indoor and outdoor international hockey as well as having numerous Technical Delegate appointments to European Hockey tournaments.
He later held a series of high-profile positions within Ulster including:
- Ulster Branch Indoor Hockey Secretary for over 10 years
- Chairman of Ulster Branch Disciplinary Committee for 5 years
- Ulster Branch President 1990
- Ulster Branch Honorary Secretary for 10 years
- Northern Ireland Universities – hockey representative to British Universities Sports Federation (BUSF)
Meanwhile, he was also on the Irish Hockey Union Council and Irish Universities – Council for Universities Sports Administrators in Ireland (CUSAI).
In 2015, the Clarke family presented Ulster Hockey with the ‘Carson Clarke Memorial Award for Outstanding Contribution to Mens Hockey in Ulster’, which aims to honour those individuals who, like Carson, have over a sustained period, made a lasting and telling contribution to men’s hockey in Ulster.
In a family statement, Geoff Clarke said:
“This award is very special to the Clarke family. One of the aspects which makes it special is that we, with the support of Ulster Hockey for which we are grateful, have a say in the selection of every recipient.
When the family was discussing potential candidates for this years award, it was my Mum, Betty, who suggested Bobby’s name and that was the end of the discussion! We immediately agreed there was no-one more deserving.
Having captained the side during the 1954/55 season, he won 6 Irish Senior Cups as well as 6 Irish Junior Cups as a player before becoming the clubs’ Chairman in 1977/78 and President from 1994 until 1996.
As well as his roles within his own club, Bobby also held the position of Ulster Branch President in 1978 before becoming the first member of Lisnagarvey to be the President of the Irish Hockey Union from 1989-1991.
The 95-year-old was made Club Patron in 2012 and in 2023 had the club lounge named ‘The Howard Clubroom’ in his honour.
He still watches Lisnagarvey’s home games to this day as well as recently attending their Irish Senior Cup victory over Banbridge earlier this month at Belfield, UCD Dublin.
Away from hockey, Bobby has also been a Member of Lisburn Golf Course since 1953 and is currently the oldest active playing Member – playing 9 holes of golf 1-2 times per week with his 93-year-old friend.
Outgoing Ulster Hockey President Margaret McCormack was quick to congratulate him on his award and years of dedication to the sport:
“Congratulations to Bobby Howard B.E.M on being presented with the Carson Clarke Memorial Award at Lisnagarvey Hockey Club.
Bobby is a very worthy winner, having amongst other notable things, been a member of Garvey for almost 80 years.
He is also a past President of both Ulster and Ireland and it was a great honour for me to complete my final duty as President in such a fitting way.”
Past Winners:
