Rab Fullerton
It is with deep sadness that Ards Football Club has learned of the death of long-time supporter Robert ‘Rab’ Fullerton.
Rab would have been 95 in May and was pre-deceased by his wife Mary and is survived by his daughter Helen and son Thomas.
Rab first watched Ards play in the 1930s and was present when they won the McElroy and Clements Lyttle Cups during the war years as well as all the subsequent trophy successes throughout the decades.
Indeed, one of his finest moments, and a story he never got tired of telling, happened at Castlereagh Park in October 1952. He went down to watch an Irish League XI play the full Ireland international side in preparation for the forthcoming game against England at Windsor Park and ended up playing for the League side as one of their players did not show up.
Rab played at outside-right and was in direct opposition to Newcastle United full-back Alf McMichael. The 27-year-old Rab went on to score all four goals as the League side ran out 4-0 winners. He certainly dined out on that story more than once.
Ill health meant that he could not get to too many games in recent years, but he always kept up-to-date with what was happening at the club thanks to visits from his many good friends.
Ards Football Club passes on their sincere condolences to his son and daughter and all of the family circle.
(Accompanying photo – Rab pictured with his favourite player – Craig McMillen)
