Neil McGarva honoured as Commonweath Games Baton Bearer

Congratulations are due to Neil McGarva of the Club's Hockey Section who has been selected as one of the baton bearers for the Queen's Baton relay for the 2014 Commonwealth Games. This honour is due reward for the amazing amount of hard work that Neil has put into the Hockey Section over the past 25 years.

Neil has been the driving force behind the thriving Junior Hockey Section, has undertaken countless administration and funding duties, has served on District Committees and been Club Captain, all whilst continuing to coach the juniors.

He has been the focal point in the development of the Hockey Section and has been instrumental in the inter-action with Active Schools locally and an integral part of the growth of the Inverclyde Sports Hub.

In addition, Neil still umpires regularly and even on occasion fills in as goalkeeper for the Men’s 2nd XI Hockey side.

Club President, Peter Hempsey said, ”I am delighted to learn that Neil has been given the honour of carrying the Commonwealth Games baton during its relay in advance of the opening of the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow later this year. It is thoroughly deserved and a fitting acknowledgement for the years of dedicated voluntary service to hockey which Neil has provided for both Greenock Hockey Club and for hockey in general in the west of Scotland.”

** - Two other well-known members of the Club, Jim Duncan and Kenny Wilson, have also been chosen to be baton bearers for their work in other parts of the Inverclyde community and are to be congratulated for receiving this honour.