Anyone who stood close to John on most Saturday afternoons on the Bloomfield Road side of Upritchard Park would have heard him offer this friendly advice to the referee. Of course this wasn’t because a Bangor player was infringing but to alert the official that an opposition player was constantly going off side. From the touchline John enjoyed the banter with opposing teams and their alickadoos. He looked forward to his Saturday afternoons supporting his beloved Bangor no matter whether it was a home or an away match – John was usually there. I know that this was much appreciated by the players.

John was probably a member for over 50 years and without doubt one of its most loyal supporters. He believed that it was important to set standards both on and off the pitch and it would have been unthinkable for John not to be wearing his club tie, sweater or blazer when representing the club home or away.

He wasn’t afraid either to share his assessment of the match in the bar afterwards with players and coaches. His usual tipple was Black Bush, in a straight glass with just the right amount of water. However he was sometimes dismayed when he had to settle for ‘Cooking Bush’ with the promise from bar staff that this would be put right when the next bar order was being made.

During his teens and early 20’s John was an accomplished water polo player with the Leander Club Belfast; however he was passionate about rugby football.

In the late 1950’s his first rugby was played as a member of Cooke Rugby Club. When he and Florence came to live in Bangor, John joined the local club in 1962. In those early days rugby was played at Ward Park and as a prop forward he enjoyed playing mainly for the 3rd XV. During the 60’s John also played his full part in the massive fund raising effort undertaken to purchase the grounds at Upritchard Park.

When his playing career finished John coached the 2B’s and for a time he served on the Club Council. He also lent his full support to other areas that were being developed and expanded at the club. He was actively involved in the inaugural organising committee of the Bass Boston Cup (the first floodlit rugby tournament in Ireland) when it started in 1974. Many ball-boys recollect how John organised their supper of sausage and chips and paid them £1 for their night’s work.

John was also involved at the inception of the Manxie Club, set up to support injured players, after Adrian Mencarelli suffered a broken neck in 1975. During the following 20+ years John helped with fundraising; organising trips; organising a rota of drivers; driving and helping to maintain the minibuses. He particularly enjoyed the craic from an International Day out especially when the party stopped for food at Katorinas in Dunleer. John even organised the food and drinks order to ensure no-one left disappointed.

He enjoyed watching rugby at all levels and he had the opportunities to visit most of the rugby playing national stadiums. I know that he was privileged to have attended the 1995 Rugby World Cup in Cape Town when the host nation received the Trophy from Nelson Mandela.

John was honoured to be Club President during 2000-2001 season and although this was the same year of Adrian’s untimely death John continued with the Manxie Club work and the IRFU Charitable Trust to help support injured players. During a recent visit to the Aviva Stadium in Dublin he was fondly greeted by the family of an injured player from Athlone who recalled meeting him many years earlier during a Manxie Club function.

Another aspect of club life he loved was the camaraderie generated from the monthly Veterans’ lunches. At the end of each event John thanked the speakers, recounted tales or shared acquaintances. John was a people person and he loved meeting and sharing stories with all he met.

Obviously John will be sadly missed by his immediate and extended family and everyone involved with the club extends love and support for the years ahead.

During this rugby year just starting when the club plays against other teams many will ask after John Macmillan.

If we are fortunate those standing on the Bloomfield Road side at Upritchard Park may just be able to hear a faint voice from above saying -

‘Well done ref I told you he was off side’.