Lions-themed barbecue a ‘roaring’ success!

RUGBY fans were treated to a fantastic night at the Friday night’s British Lions-themed barbecue, put on by the Ballymena Academy Old Pupils’ Association.
By The Newsroom
Published 1st Jun 2013, 10:00 BST
Ronnie Hassard, who compered the Ballymena Academy Past Pupils Association 'Lions' dinner, is pictured with Ulster and Ireland rugby team member Luke Marshall, Liz Weir (President Past Pupils Association) and Ballymena Lions Willie John McBride, Syd Millar and Stevie Smith. INBT22-248ACRonnie Hassard, who compered the Ballymena Academy Past Pupils Association 'Lions' dinner, is pictured with Ulster and Ireland rugby team member Luke Marshall, Liz Weir (President Past Pupils Association) and Ballymena Lions Willie John McBride, Syd Millar and Stevie Smith. INBT22-248AC
Ronnie Hassard, who compered the Ballymena Academy Past Pupils Association 'Lions' dinner, is pictured with Ulster and Ireland rugby team member Luke Marshall, Liz Weir (President Past Pupils Association) and Ballymena Lions Willie John McBride, Syd Millar and Stevie Smith. INBT22-248AC

The event welcomed three former Lions and pupils of the Academy to share in their Lions memories, Dr Syd Millar, Willie John McBride and Stevie Smith took part in a lively Q&A with Academy principal Ronnie Hassard.

Over 130 guest packed into Eaton Park to celebrate the schools historic links with the Lions and also welcomed current Ulster Rugby star Luke Marshall, who also took part in the Q&A.

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Guests were treated to a delicious dinner from Janes Kitchen and heard from Old Pupils’ President Liz Weir who said afterwards: “The evening was a tremendous success.

“Highlight of the night was the conversation with our three British Lions and latest international player, skillfully led by Ballymena Academy principal Ronnie Hassard.

“True Ballymena humour came to the fore and it was with great pride that we welcomed them. The stories told were witty, informative and highly entertaining for all our guests.

“Not only was the catering by Jane’s Kitchen delicious but Jane Allen also demonstrated real skill as an auctioneer when she raised a great price for a British Lions shirt signed by our illustrious trio.”

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All monies raised from the event will go to fund special projects within the school, both in sports and arts. There are several more Old Pupils’ events planned for 2013, please visit the Ballymena Academy Past Pupils’ Facebook page for more details.

Related topics:Ballymena Academy