Ulster Rugby vs Oyonnax

prize based on one of the last pair of boots worn by Willie John McBride - for excelling in his work for junior rugby in Ireland. But for Ian there are three memories in particular which he cherishes above all others. “The first was taking on the role of club historian. I took immense pleasure from researching the history of Carrickfergus RFC, which included locating a minute book from its establishment in 1865. This research contributed to our 150th Anniversary Book, which was launched at a Gala Ball in the Titanic Building with Brian O’Driscoll last year. “It was a wonderful event and a memory I will always treasure,” he said, delighted to have chronicled the history of the club he cherishes, and clearly pleased that the evening the history was launched was decorated by the presence of Ireland’s most accomplished player of modern times. “My second highlight has to be when Carrick became the only junior team to ever reach an Ulster Senior Cup Final, against Bangor at Ravenhill in 1982. We’d beaten four senior teams that season and were unfortunate to lose to Bangor in the final, but,” he adds with typical humility, “it was an enjoyable occasion nonetheless.” And what about the personal achievements and rewards? Was here one to stand out? And Ian Beggs admits that at the end of last month the news of his inclusion in the Honours List was very special, though typically he links it to his longstanding love affair with the club which made him, at the tender age of 21, its secretary, and ultimately its constant driving force. “Yes, my final highlight would be receiving an MBE in the New Year’s Honours List in December. The award is a very fitting climax to Carrick’s 150th Anniversary celebrations, and it’s just the icing on the cake. The whole of last year was fantastic and this award is a fitting end to it all.” And though at 81 he may have cast off some of the vestiges of office Ian Beggs remains devoted to helping rugby, and Carrickfergus RFC in particular. “Everything I have done for Carrick RFC and the Ulster Branch has been one big pleasure, and it doesn’t stop here,” Ian insists. “I continue to offer my services to Bill Crymble, President of Carrickfergus, and I will continue to get the train down to Woodburn Road to watch a few big games. “I have made an unbelievable number of lifelong friends and I look forward to receiving this accolade sometime in the next seven months at either Buckingham Palace or at Hillsborough Castle.” To countless men and women in rugby in Ulster and further afield Ian Beggs has been the wise font of knowledge, and ‘the man who got things done’, and they will have shared in his modest delight at his MBE. Kingspan Stadium, and its professional players and its similarly sleek and efficient administration, owe him and his colleagues down many years so much. Congratulations Ian – for a wonderful contribution, on well-earned recognition, and for being a truly inspirational ambassador for rugby volunteering in Ulster!

KIERAN CAMPBELL

“HE HAS SERVEDWITH DISTINCTION IN EVERY ROLE TOWHICH HE HAS BEEN

ELECTED AND HAS MADE AN OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTION TO RUGBY IN ULSTER OVER THE LAST 60 YEARS” SHANE LOGAN, CHIEF EXECUTIVE ULSTER RUGBY

19