Members of Rainey OB RFC were greatly saddened to learn of the passing of former Club President Billy Hatrick.

Billy was a great benefactor to the Club and from 1953 he generously permitted the previously nomadic Rainey OB Club to use his ‘ fields’ throughout the season. No formal lease was signed, but a gentleman’s agreement was reached, whereby the Hatrick sheep would be removed from the fields from July 12th to permit pitch preparation and pre-season training to begin.

The Club moved to the current playing fields at Meadowbank in 1995, and as a result of the long association with the club, the grounds were named Hatrick Park. The eponymous Billy was further honoured in 2010 when he was delighted to be chosen as Club President. He carried out the role with great pride, dignity and enthusiasm, travelling throughout Ireland in support of the club in their AIL fixtures, and he continued to attend the pre-match lunches at Rainey.

In 2010 he travelled with a group of companions from Rainey to follow the Irish team on their tour of New Zealand and Australia.

His great friend and travelling companion William Paul stated ‘He made every day count’

May he rest in peace.

Our thoughts are with his wife Martha, brother Joe, son Andrew and daughter Rosemary.