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In Loving Memory of

Randalstown Rugby Club president Derek Waddell congratulates Ivan Millar for winning the nearest the pin competition.

Derek Waddell

Randalstown RFC are today devastated and saddened to inform of the passing of former Player, Coach, President, Chairman, Treasurer, Bar Convenor and general Club Legend, Derek (Ducky) Waddell, after a short illness.  

Derek was a cornerstone of Randalstown RFC for the best part of six decades and it cannot be understated how much Derek dedicated himself to the Club that he loved and cherished through his long and illustrious tenure with RRFC. ‘Ducky’ as he was affectionately known was ever present at Neilsbrook and seldom missed anything to do with the Club and was involved in its development helping to grow the Club through many years of service to its current solid foundations financially, in rugby matters and in its status within the local community.

The Club passes their condolences to his beloved wife Margaret and the entire family circle at this incredibly difficult time and the Club aims to prepare a fitting tribute to Derek in the coming days in order to recognise his years of dedicated service and the legacy he left behind.

It is hard to think of the Club without Derek around, however we know that he will want the Club to continue to grow and remain the close family Club that he helped build over so many years. He will be sorely missed by everyone associated with our Club.

Current restrictions mean we cannot gather in the ways we wish to, but we hope this book allows people a chance to share their memories and pass on their condolences to the family 

Rest in Peace Derek

Book Owner: Randalstown RFC
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David Tannahill

It was with great shock and sadness that I learnt today from Walker Rainey of the passing of Ducky Waddell. Ducky is the cousin of my mother Helen Tannahill and I only met him later in his life whilst he was travelling through South Africa on his way to watch the British Lions, and we discovered our mutual love for rugby. Ducky retuned to South Africa to watch the Ireland tour when he also stayed with my sister Karen-Jane for the Port Elizabeth test, and the last time I saw him was when he invited me to join him and his mates in Cardiff for the Ireland v France game at the RWC in 2015. We would keep in touch via the odd WhatsApp, and a picture of him with Beast Mtawarira (I am originally from Zimbabwe) and Brian Habana at RWC 2019 is still the profile pic of my rugby WhatsApp group. I really admired how he lived his life and got full value from everything he did. My deepest condolences to his wife Margaret, his brother Allison (who taught me chess and took me sailing on Loch Neigh when I was a kid) and the rest of …

Gary, Sarah, Lily & Aimee Ritchie

Derek was a real one off. His kindness knew no bonderies and he did everything with a smile on his face. It was about a year ago he took me to my first ever Ireland match, little did we know that unfortunately it would be his last.  We have many great memories of Derek and had looked forward to making many more. We will forever be thankful for everything Derek did for the Ritchie family, especially his best friend Stacie xx …

Trevor & Jackie Ritchie

Absolute gentleman forever our friend Derek you’ll never be forgotten our memories off you will last forever. xx ❤ …

Tommy McCann

RIP Ducky you will be sorely missed by all at the club. You were a  friend to all who encouraged everyone and knew just how far to take it when you were in a mischievous mood.  My condolences to Margaret and the rest of your family circle. …

Rab Fleck

Will not be the same going down the club and ducky not being there. Lots of great memories, usually after 5 or 6pm on a Saturday when most people had gone home and we would pull up chairs and chat for hours.  …

Selbert & Carole Rainey

I recall playing rugby with Derek in Dunmore park many years ago and he dislocated his shoulder. I reduced the shoulder almost immediately and Derek went back onto the front row of the scrum and played on. What a legend of a man and I’m proud to have known him as a friend. sincere condolences to Margaret and the whole family, friends and rugby circle. Selbert and Carole  …

Declan Small

Such sad news. So many great memories of Derek at the club and on tour.  He was a great encourager and will be sorely missed.  Condolences to the Waddell family and all at RRFC.  RIP Ducky …

Clare O’Neill

Derek and Margaret looked after our dog. Derek was the only person who could control our rather badly behaved cocker spaniel. I am just remembering him and smiling. He was so full of life and plans and fun. I wish I could hug Margaret and when I can, I will. Sending Margaret and the family and friends much love and sincere sympathy. Clare & Laurence  xx …

Gary Barlow LRFC

Saddened indeed to learn of Derek’s passing. Thoughts with his family, friends and all at RRFC. 🏉 …

Stacie Ritchie

Absolutely heartbroken I’ve lost my best friend he was always there for me no matter what, gone now but certainly will never be forgotten. Love Stacie xx …
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