Bangor Rugby Club’s recent awards dinner recognised the achievements of the players who had given their best to each of the three senior teams during the past season. However, one of the club’s most prestigious awards, the Graeme Ryans Trophy which is presented to the Clubman of the Year, was presented to one of the club’s long serving members in recognition of over 50 years loyal service not only to Bangor Rugby Club, but also the Ulster Branch and Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU).

When Gerry Drennan joined Bangor Rugby Football and Cricket Club in 1968, he threw himself into a variety of roles that included Youth Convenor and Coach, Chairman of the Boston Cup Committee (Ireland’s first floodlit rugby competition), Honorary Secretary, Chairman, and President.

Not content with the work and responsibilities associated with all that was going on at the newly established Upritchard Park, he became involved with the province’s ruling body, the Ulster Branch, based at Ravenhill (now Kingspan) in 1989. Having served on several committees including Disciplinary, Youth, Rugby, Commercial and Marketing, he finally became President in the 1999 – 2000 season – a real honour for Bangor Rugby Club.

However, his success as an organiser and administrator didn’t go unnoticed at the game’s national governing body and, in 2007, was elected to the IRFU as an Ulster Branch Representative. Gerry was soon made Chairman of the Irish Schools Committee, with other roles added as the years progressed.

Now with over 50 years of active service at club, provincial and national levels, Gerry has decided to reign back on his administrative duties and, although remaining an active member of the NI Branch of the Charitable Trust Committee, he can now focus on enjoying being a regular touchline supporter and clubhouse alickadoo. His Clubman of the Year Award is thoroughly merited, and marks the gratitude shown by Bangor Rugby Football and Cricket Club for all that he has accomplished over the years.