Willie Gribben
It is with great sadness that Ulster Hockey has learnt of the passing of Willie Gribben. Willie was a pioneer in Ulster Rugby having played for several clubs and the Province and having coached at junior Ireland International levels, as well as Belfast Harlequins and Portadown.
Introduced to rugby in 1958, Mr Gribben’s great legacy includes establishing Portadown Panthers in 2013, a section of that club which enables children and adults with disability to play tag rugby.
Mr Gribben’s wife – Edna – was President of the Ulster Women’s Hockey Union before the amalgamation of the Men’s and Women’s unions in 2010. Edna has continued to make a positive impact in hockey and has organised and officiated at hockey matches and tournaments and been involved in hockey at different levels including the involvement of Primary Schools and was due to officiate at the technical table for the Superleague Finals on Wednesday past.
The thoughts of everyone connected to Ulster Hockey go to Edna and the family at this difficult time.
