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Roy Gelling: The 93-year-old race marshal received tributes
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Roy Gelling, Culture Vannin, Image Source
Roy Gelling played 65 seasons of snooker without missing a single match. Image caption
A 93-year-old stalwart of the Southern 100 road races and a Manx snooker “legend” has received tributes.
Since 1996, Roy Gelling has also served as the Parish of Malew’s captain.
For over 60 years, Mr. Gelling marshalled at the inaugural Southern 100 on the Billown circuit in 1955.
According to the race organizers, he was “famous for his hospitality” and contributed to the event’s image as the “friendly races”.
According to a Southern 100 Club representative, Mr. Gelling “entertained”
He said he volunteered till 2022 and was given special distinction for his 60 years of service during the races’ 60
Mr Gelling was also the president of the Isle of Man Billiards and Snooker Association (IOMBSA) and completed 65 seasons of playing snooker for Malew without missing a league match.
A spokesman said Mr Gelling was instrumental in developing the sport and his “impact on the IOMBSA was tremendous”.
“His presence brought a wealth of knowledge, passion, and excitement to the association”, he said.
Chairman Malew said as president and the longest serving member of the association, Mr Gelling had supported many events and sponsored the Island Championship.
Describing him as a “legend”, he said: “Anyone who had to play Roy over all those years will know what a competitor he was”.
The Southern 100 Club, the IOMBSA and Malew Commissioners each sent their condolences to Mr Gelling’s family and friends.
A new captain of the parish of Malew, a largely ceremonial role held in each of the island’s 17 parishes, will be appointed by Lieutenant Governor.
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