It is with great sadness that we learned of the passing of former club coach, long-time member and dear friend Robbie Moore who lost his long battle with illness on Sunday night.

Robbie was well known throughout Ulster rugby and he truly epitomised what it meant to be a ‘clubman’. He was devoted to Queens University Belfast RFC and the tributes that have been paid to him by Gary Longwell and many Ulster and Ireland rugby stars is a testament to him. His lifetime of dedication to rugby was recognised when he was awarded the BBC Northern Ireland’s sports Unsung Hero award in 2005.

At Carrickfergus, our playing side was fortunate enough to be associated with Robbie from 1977 to 1985 which, through no coincidence, was probably one of the most successful periods which our club has ever had.

Having spent one season coaching the 2nd XV, Robbie took the helm as 1st XV coach in 1978/79 and secured the Junior 3 title at the first time of asking. This was the start of an irresistible Carrickfergus rise which saw promotion to Junior 1 in 1979/80 and sealing the Junior 1 title in 1980/81 and again a couple of years later. The strength and talent under Robbie was clear at a time when Carrick would have played regular friendlies against senior Club 1st XVs and very much held our own.

Successful cup runs were also commonplace during this time culminating in the 1981/82 season where Carrickfergus made it to Ravenhill twice – winning the Centenary Towns Cup and losing out to Bangor in the final of the Senior Cup, having beaten big teams like North, Malone and Derry on the way.

Under Robbie’s leadership we won the Past Players Cup; the Carrick Sevens three times and the Omagh Sevens. The only cup to elude him during his time at Carrick was the Junior Cup where we lost out in the final against Coleraine.

The President and members of Carrickfergus RFC wish to express our deepest condolences to Robbie’s wife Barbara, his daughter Kate and his wider family circle.