Service of Thanksgiving for Dr. Syd Millar

A Service of Thanksgiving for the late Dr. Syd Millar, took place this afternoon (Thursday) in West Church, Ballymena.

Dr. Millar passed away peacefully last Sunday (December 10) at his home at Fairways in Broughshane.

The Service of Thanksgiving followed a private interment.

The rugby legend, a native of Ballymena started his career with the Eaton Park side.

He went on to win 37 caps for Ireland from 1958-71 and retired from playing in 1972.

Millar went on to take on the role as President of the Ulster Rugby Union in 1985, before taking the same role 10 years later with the Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFC).

He was also Chairman of the Lions from 1999-2002.

In 2002 Millar became Vice Chairman of the IRB Council, and became interim Chairman the following hear following the death of Vernon Pugh.

He was elected as Chairman - the highest administrative role in World Rugby - later that year as he presided over the 2003 and 2007 World Cups before he was succeeded by Bernard Lapasset.

At the Service of Thanksgiving Rev. Daniel Kane told those present that Sydney was born on 23rd May 1934 the eldest of six children.

He spent a happy childhood in Ballymena which he shared with his brothers Jimmy and Trevor and sisters Audrey, Reba and Bee.

He met Enid Blelock in Portrush in the summer of 1951 and their courtship continued until they married in the summer of 1961.

Newlywed life for the young couple began in Portadown by which time, Syd was a full-time member of the Irish squad and played for the British Lions.

“In the late 1970s, the family returned to their roots when they moved to the Tuppenny Road in Gracehill. Lesley was refining her culinary skills, and the boys were busy with rugby at Ballymena Academy and Eaton Park,” outlined Rev. Kane.

“By this time Syd’s playing and coaching days were coming to an end except for a few guest appearances for the ‘Ballymena Golden Oldies’. His rugby commitments were now more centred on administration through Irish and World Rugby.”

He continued - “Despite long periods of separation, Enid and Syd’s relationship remained strong and full of humour. This was reflected in Enid’s increasingly busy role as Syd’s unpaid P.A. The Tuppenny Road reflected the hospitality of all previous homes.

“However, the role Syd most excelled at was as a husband, a father, a grandfather and a great grandfather. Few people get the opportunity to sip cocktails on the Royal Yacht Britannia, dine in palaces, and be in the company of such esteemed world leaders as the late Queen and Nelson Mandela.

“Along with Enid, their journeys together took them around the world, visiting famous cities and attending the Olympics, the Commonwealth games and Ascot; occasions most of us can only dream of.

“As we’ve already heard, Sydney played a key role as coach in one of the most successful rugby tours in history - the 1974 tour to South Africa. Many would say that he was pivotal to the success of the tour. They were undefeated, winning 21 of their 22 games and held to a draw in their final match, albeit in controversial circumstances.”

Rev. Kane told those present that Syd “never lost the run of himself.”

“He didn’t let any of it go to his head – he kept his feet firmly on the ground. He always remained very under-stated and low-key because there was another lion in Sydney’s life.

“The great Lion of Judah – one of the names the Bible gives to the baby in the manger – was Syd’s moral compass.

“Syd based his life on the teachings of this supreme Lion. His guiding principles and valued characteristics that governed his life came from this Lion. Lions are commonly known as the king of the jungle for their strength and power. This lion of Judah has long been a symbol of bravery, nobility, and strength but He was also humble. That’s what the story of Christmas is all about.

“Jesus didn’t come as a king, born in a palace – He came as a baby born in a manger. He humbled Himself and ultimately, He would humble himself to death on a cross for crimes He didn’t commit.

“Like the Lion of Judah, Sydney too was a humble servant. He was great at getting the best out of people because he wasn’t concerned about getting the glory for himself. He always looked out for those on the margins of life and was concerned for the less-well-off and those who didn’t get all the best chances in life.

“He wanted rugby to be available for everyone – not just the few - so he was passionate about coaching and training up the best players for tomorrow.”

Meanwhile, the Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Alderman Gerardine Mulvenna has revealed that film star Liam Neeson, OBE, has paid tribute to his fellow Ballymena Freeman of the Borough.

Through the Mayor, Neeson said he has been very saddened at the passing of Dr. Millar, adding that not only was he legend, but a true gentleman.

The Mayor, too, paid tribute to the “inspirational” Ireland and Lions legend.

“I am saddened to hear of the passing of Syd and my thoughts are first and foremost with his family and friends. Hailing from Ballymena, he was an exceptional Rugby player, coach and indeed manager. His talent knew no bounds and he gave so much to the world of Rugby – he truly was a sporting hero,” said the Mayor.

“Awarded the Freedom of the Borough of Ballymena on 20 May 2004, he was an ambassador for Mid and East Antrim and was dedicated to Ballymena Rugby Club where he kickstarted his career. He will be greatly missed and I know his knowledge, dedication and legacy will live on.”