Ballymena Lion to address Probus Rally

The organising committee, consisting of members of each of the four Probus Clubs in Ballymena are delighted to announce that the Past President of the International Rugby board has agreed to talk at the Rally being held at the Tullyglass Hotel in Ballymena on May 20.

Dr Millar was elected Chairman of the IRB in November 2003 after serving as interim chairman for a year following the death of Vernon Pugh.

During his reign, Dr.Millar was granted the Freedom of the Borough of Ballymena in recognition of his tremendous achievements both on and off the rugby field.

His distinguished playing career as a prop included playing for Ulster, Ireland and the Lions.

The last occasion when the All Ireland Rally was held in Ballymena was iun 1985, when the total number of clubs in Ireland was 40, and was hosted by the only Probus Club in Ballymena at that time, appropriately names ‘Ballymena Probus Club’.

Since then three more clubs have been formed- ‘Pentagon’, ‘Slemish’ and ‘Seven Towers’.

There are now 137 Probus Clubs throughout Ireland- 102 all male; 28 all ladies and seven clubs with male and female membership. Most clubs have a membership of 40 to 50 and the Rally Committee expect several delegates, accompanied by wives/ partners from every club.

The word ‘Probus’ is an abbreviation of the words PROfessional and BUSiness, however membership is not restricted to these groups. PROBUS embraces all professions and trades and, in fact, any person who has had some measure of responsibility in any field of endeavour would be welcomed in any PROBUS club.

The basic purpose of PROBUS, which is Non-sectarian and Non-Political, is to promote regular gatherings of persons who, in retirement, appreciate and value opportunities to meet others in similar circumstances and with similar interests.

The Annual Rally gives members and associates the opportunity to renew old friendships and to make new acquaintances.