Mr. Paul Alexander (82)

Paul passed away at his home in the village on November 21. He was 82.

A lifelong poultry fancier, Paul was held in the highest esteem by his peers throughout Northern Ireland and was sought after for many judging tasks during a career which started when he was 19.

Paul was made an honorary member of Ballymena Poultry Club in 1995, following 50 years’ service. He was still supporting local poultry fanciers’ right up to his death.

Paying tribute to him, Ballymena Poultry club Chairman, Hugh Thompson, said: “Paul spent the majority of his life in the Broughshane area and introduced many of the stalwarts of the Ballymena Poultry Club to the fancy.

“I was 14 years old when Paul, who worked on our home farm, first gave me the benefit of his skills and experience.

“Throughout Paul’s life he helped nurture the youth, encouraging them to become involved with poultry. His legacy will live on within the Ballymena Club, as many of today’s office bearers were influenced by Paul and the time he gave to us all in our penning rooms.”

Paul joined the then Ballymena Bantam Club at the age of 16 when the shows were held in a wartime hut beside Ballymena railway.

Over time his dedication and support to the Club helped it expand into one of the strongest in Northern Ireland.

“Clearly the foundations laid by Paul, his enthusiasm for poultry and his ability to pass on his judging skills to the next generation have stood our club well,” said Hugh.

Many of Paul’s students and fellow poultry fanciers attended his funeral service in First Broughshane Presbyterian Church on November 23.

“Our thoughts are with his wife Retta, son Paul and wider family circle at this sad time. He will be missed by many in the Ballymena Poultry Club,” said Hugh.