Tributes paid after death of ‘Mr Malone’ Patrick Baird
THE rugby community in Ulster is in mourning following the loss of Malone stalwart Patrick ‘Chippy’ Baird, who died suddenly earlier this week.
Widely known and respected throughout the club scene in Ireland, he was a former player at Malone before becoming the club’s long-standing chairman. He also served as president for Malone’s 125th anniversary.
Baird, who was in his late 40s, had been a central figure in the progressive Belfast club’s offfield growth through his vision and enthusiasm for what was an ongoing project.
“We are all devastated at his loss,” said close friend Stuart Duncan.
“He did so much for Malone. He was at the centre of everything and was known as ‘Mr Malone’.
“He was selfless and was the driving force of a small team who worked tirelessly for the club while running his own business.
“He brought great business acumen to the club and made it stand on its own feet.
“He was a thoughtful, selfless guy who just wanted to make the club a better place for all walks of life and open to anyone who wanted to come and play or watch rugby.
“He was the backbone of the club and had been around the place for at least 35 years, and he just loved watching his two boys play mini rugby.”
Most recently, ‘Chippy’ had been one of the main drivers behind the whole regeneration of the club through the newly refurbished bar and hall, as well as opening them up to be used for other activities.
“He pushed things on, he raised funds and he just wanted Malone to be the place where everybody was welcome and a place which would be the envy of the Ulster rugby club scene,” said Duncan.
A huge supporter of women’s rugby, he notably supplied campbeds for the England Legends side and accommodated them in Malone’s President’s Bar after they had lost their accommodation at the time of the Women’s World Cup.
He also helped set up Malone’s mixed ability team the Tornadoes two years ago and was a central figure in organising Chris Henry’s testimonial in 2019.
He is survived by wife Siona and sons Jamie and Ryan.