Tribute to George Blackwood
April 27, 2026
It is with great sadness that Leinster Hockey acknowledges the passing of George Blackwood. George coached for many years within Ulster, as well as with several Irish squads across different age groups, and in more recent years was involved as both a player and coach within the Ireland Masters setup.
Steve Hiles, Leinster Hockey’s Director of HP & Interpros, reflected on George’s impact:
“I had the pleasure of working closely with George for several years as Ireland U21 Manager when he was Head Coach, and he was someone who, in a volunteer capacity, gave so much to developing young players and to coach development work across all the provinces for so many years. The news this week was met with both much sadness, but also many former players and management reflecting on the great memories and stories from the times we had with George.”
One of George’s early successes at Irish level came as Head Coach of an Ireland U15 squad who competed in the Youth Olympics in Bath in 1995, where they were narrowly defeated 3–2 by Great Britain in the final. That team featured future senior internationals such as Graham Shaw, David Smyth, Chris Jackson and Andy Barbour.
George also coached the Ireland U21s to gold in the European B Division in Padova, Italy in 1999, before leading them to the A Division two years later in Madrid and qualifying for the U21 World Cup in Hobart, Tasmania in 2001.
Former Ireland international player and coach Graham Shaw, who played under George, said:
“George’s success is seen in how many players he developed who went on to reach senior international level, a legacy that included a Youth Olympic silver medal and a European B Division gold.”
In recent years, George remained an active figure in the Masters Hockey circuit as both a player and coach, and his passing will be deeply felt within that community.
Dwyne Hill, Chairperson of Leinster Hockey, who knew George through Ireland Masters, said:
“George gave me my first job in coaching as a goalkeeping coach with Ulster Hockey. I learnt so much from him, and being his coach with the Hockey Masters, coaching was in his DNA and so many of us learned so much from his wisdom.”
George, on behalf of Leinster Hockey, we thank you for the incredible service you gave to our sport. Your legacy will live on through the many people who worked with you and those fortunate enough to be coached by you. We would also like to extend our sincere condolences to George’s family and friends
George’s funeral will take place at Roselawn Crematorium, Belfast, on Tuesday 5th May 2026 at 12pm, followed by refreshments at Pickie Bowling Club, 82 Broadway, Bangor BT20 4TS.
Pictured: Ireland U21 Men winning the European B Division, Padova, Italy, 1999.
Back row: George Blackwood (Head Coach), Davy Smyth, Graham Shaw, Dawie Holley, Charlie Henderson, Justy Sherriff, Andy Chambers, Jason Black, Mark Black, Brian Waring, Denis Pritchard (Asst Coach), Anthony “Wish” O’Neil (GK coach).
Front: Dale McNeill, Vanda Dowse (Physio), Gary Ringwood, Andrew Cousins, Chris Jackson, Gary McKee, Colin Clarke, Julian Lewis, Absent: Herbie Sharman (Manager)
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