Tributes have been paid following the death of a much-loved Belfast school teacher and sports coach.
John McKinney was a Campbell College teacher for 43 years, having first arrived at the Belfast educational establishment in 1980. He passed away following a battle with cancer on Friday.
Campbell College posted a heartfelt tribute to Mr McKinney in the hours following his passing.
“It is with great sadness that we share the news of the passing of Hubert John McKinney, a man whose presence shaped Campbell College for more than four decades,“ it read.
“John’s commitment, character and steady influence touched every part of College life, and his imprint on this community is both deep and enduring.
“John arrived at Campbell in 1980 and began a remarkable 43-year journey. He lived on campus, raised his family here and devoted his life to the College. For generations of pupils, staff and the wider community, John was a familiar and reassuring presence, greeting boys on the front steps each morning, hosting visiting rugby teams on frosty Saturday mornings and welcoming families to various school events throughout the year. He was always there.
“John was a true schoolmaster, traditional in his approach and instinctive in his understanding of boys. He commanded a classroom with ease and was particularly effective with pupils who needed additional support. His teaching was direct, purposeful and rooted in a deep understanding of how boys learn, and many Old Campbellians speak warmly of the guidance and steadiness he offered them during their time at the College.
“Beyond the classroom, John’s influence was profound. His contribution to Campbell rugby was generational. As 1st XV Coach and later Master in Charge of Rugby, he shaped decades of players and guided the College to four Schools’ Cup victories.
“He helped countless boys progress to provincial and international honours, and Old Campbellians frequently speak of the high standards and personal encouragement he offered. His passion for Athletics was unmistakable: for over 27 years, he led the College Athletics Club to great success and became a fixture at the track each summer, stopwatch in hand, calling out times and splits to boys of every ability. He was also the longest serving member of the College Choir, singing for a full 43 years, a testament to his love of College life in all its forms.
“Alongside his work in rugby and athletics, John held several influential roles throughout his career, including Head of Boarding, Head of Physical Education, Senior Teacher, Staff Governor and Chairman of the Common Room. He carried each with distinction and unwavering loyalty to the College.
“Impeccably dressed in brogues, tweed and his IRFU tie, he carried himself with a steady, unmistakable presence. He was a gentleman in every sense. His dry humour and well‑timed one‑liners, delivered with that familiar twinkle in his eye, made him deeply admired by boys, staff and the wider College community. John McKinney’s legacy lives on in the traditions he upheld, the pupils he guided and the spirit he embodied. Ne Obliviscaris.
“We extend our heartfelt sympathies to his wife, Valerie, and to his children, Rebecca and James, at this very difficult time.”
Belfast Harlequins RFC posted a tribute to the much-loved teacher and rugby coach.
“We are extremely saddened to hear of the passing of John McKinney, after a short battle with illness,” a statement by the club read.
“John, an old Campbellian and NIFC coach, has been a part of the landscape of Ulster and Irish rugby for decades, inspiring many top internationals across rugby union within Ulster and Ireland.
“We have been extremely fortunate to have him at many games, both coaching and supporting, most recently his son James, who played for the club for several seasons.
“We pass our sincerest condolences to his wife Valerie, son James and daughter Rebecca.”
The Belfast Royal Academy also paid also paid tribute to Mr McKinney following his passing.
“All members of the Belfast Royal Academy community are saddened by the news of the untimely passing of former pupil and esteemed school teacher, John McKinney,“ a statement read.
John’s friendliness, professionalism and hospitality, both on the rugby field and the athletics track, will be remembered by generations of Academy staff and pupils.
Our thoughts are with John’s family at this difficult time.”
A funeral service and celebration of John’s life will take place in Central Hall on January 2 at 10am.