Austin Hunter

We have heard this morning of the tragic death last night of Austin Hunter as a result of a traffic accident in Bahrain.  Austin played several lead roles in his time at North Down and despite in latter years being more associated with Bangor HC he maintained his close links with North Down throughout.  Austin was 1^st XI trainer when the Club regained senior status after winning the Intermediate League and Cup double in 1989/90.  He captained the 6^th XI in 1991/92 to cup success and moved on to head up our first Youth Development Committee.  When son Simon moved to Bangor, Austin followed but was always in touch with progress at North Down and it is particularly touching that Simon played against the mens seconds yesterday in a league match at Bangor which was an opportunity to catch up with him.  Austin’s career in broadcasting and journalism will be covered extensively elsewhere but we will remember him as a gentleman who always had the best interests of hockey close to his heart.  Everyone at North Down extends their deepest sympathies to Jean, Simon, Rachel, Adrian and all the family circle on this sad day.