It is with deep regret and sadness that we learned of the death of Vice President and former Rugby Club Chairman, Billy ‘MeNeighbour’ Preshaw who passed away in the Ulster Hospital on 14th April 2017, aged 73 years.

Billy was raised off the Shankill Road in North Belfast and settled in Bangor in the early 1970’s. He started his own successful office and business supplies company in his early thirties with offices on High Street in Bangor and on the Lisburn Road in Belfast. Although Billy never played rugby, his association with Bangor Rugby Club started in the mid-1980’s when his then next door neighbour Ashley Armstrong invited the gregarious Billy to the Club one Saturday afternoon and introduced him to one and all with those infamous words ‘This is Billy me neighbour’. The nickname stuck and in no time at all Billy embraced the opportunity to throw himself enthusiastically into the social and playing support side of the Club. This was to become a lifetime commitment that Billy developed and largely enjoyed over many years. It was only over the last three years or so that ill health began to curb his active involvement with, but not his love for, the Club where he made so many friends and entertained so many people.

Following a highly enjoyable trip as part of the travelling support to watch Bangor play Welsh giants Cardiff in a friendly game at the Arms Park in 1986, Billy soon became 1st XV Manager. He developed strong friendships with many of the players, but grew especially close to the 1st XV Coach at that time, Noel Scott. This was the start a lifelong and mutually supportive relationship which sadly ended following Noel’s untimely passing just a few months ago. In those early days, it was Billy’s enthusiasm and growing understanding of the game that lead him to take on the role of 1st XV touch judge, one which he relished. He was part of the highly successful Club Tour to Canada in 1995, following which he was diagnosed with, and successfully treated for, the early stages of heart disease. Billy soon recovered. Undeterred, he continued his active involvement in rugby. He joined the Ulster Society of Rugby Football Referees, travelling throughout Ulster in the late 90s and early 00’s as an Associate Referee in the All Ireland League. He then came back to run the line for Bangor for several years following the Club’s relegation into the Qualifying League in 2002. His immaculately clean and pressed white shorts, omnipresent smile and touchline banter entertained spectators as much as the performances of the team on the pitch.

Always one to run with the fox and chase with the hounds, Billy gradually turned his attentions away from the playing side to Club administration. He began by serving a season as Chairman of Rugby during a difficult period for the Club in the late 1990’s, subsequently joining Management Committee as a very effective Bar Convenor for a number of years in the mid 00s. Billy’s hands-on approach and enthusiasm to get things done, and done well, was renowned. His skills as an electrician, builder and decorator saw him initiate and complete the much needed refurbishment of the Club’s changing rooms in the 2009-10 season. During this period and until as recently as five years ago, Billy served the Club as an equally diligent Club Membership Secretary.

Billy’s last appearance at Upritchard Park was just four weeks ago, when he attended the pre-match lunch before the Tullamore game. As in recent months, he quietly enjoyed watching the game from the comfort of the pavilion in the company of friends. Sadly, it was to be the last time most of us spoke to Billy. A very outgoing but resolute man; a superb comedian and story teller, and generous of spirit with an equal fondness for all things sweet and savoury, Billy made an extraordinary contribution to the life of Bangor Rugby Club. He will be sadly missed but fondly remembered by his many friends and everyone who ever had the pleasure of enjoying his good company, not just in Bangor, but within many other Rugby Clubs throughout Ulster. To his wife Alice; his daughters Elaine and Jennifer; sons-in-law Alan and Bruce, grandchildren Jacob and Jenna, and the wider family circle, we extend our deepest sympathy.

A Service of Celebration for the life of Billy will be held on Tuesday 18th April at 10.30am in Ballycrochan Presbyterian Church, followed by the committal at Clandeboye Cemetery at 12:00 noon.