Hockey club mourns committed player

The club were devastated by the news of the tragedy at Portballintrae and offered their heartfelt sympathies to her family, including her mother Ruth who is a committee member of the club.

Junior Club Co-ordinator Cherryl Holden said: “Beth was a quiet, yet confident little girl who did not seek the limelight.

“Gradually as she became settled in the highly competitive junior section, she understood that her hockey had to do the talking for her.

“By the time she reached the P4 section, her hockey abilities were beginning to really show. She eventually made the A squad in that year as defender/midfielder and was able to maintain this ranking right through to the season just finished, her P7 year.”

Cherryl added: “She was a great little girl, quiet and well mannered.

“She never questioned anything she was asked to do as a player. Her reward for this remarkable attitude was to receive the prestigious Bailey Russell Memorial Shield in her P6 year. The recipient has to possess all of the three set criteria. She must be “Quiet, Pleasant and Co-operative”, everything Beth was.

“We as a club are devastated by her tragic and untimely death. Our heartfelt sympathy goes out her mother Ruth, an active committee member, her father Alistair and her brothers.”

Coach Ivor Lennon said: “Lurgan Ladies HC have lost a skilful and committed young player.

“I coached Beth for two seasons and she was everything we want of a player; focused, mannerly, and a wee core of steel that made her a great defender.

“In a time when we are quick to criticise our young people; Beth was always going to make her family and community proud.

“Any parent would have been proud to have a daughter like Beth and Lurgan Ladies are proud to say she is one of us.”