McElroy, Thomas G S H

Thomas George S H McElroy (known as George)

Bank staff magazine - photo courtesy of Rodney Sweetnam

McElroy was born in Pretoria, Transvaal, South Africa. 

Following his education at Banbridge Academy, McElroy joined the bank in 1941 at Monaghan branch.

McElroy volunteered and enlisted into the Royal Ulster Rifles (1942 to 1947) and served in the Middle East and Austria. He held a Commission.

After demobilisation, McElroy returned to the bank at Lisburn branch. Further transfers took him to Crumlin Road, Corn Market (1961 - Teller) and Newry (1967) branches. In 1970 McElroy was appointed as Pro-Manager in Armagh branch. The following year saw a further promotion to Assistant Inspector of Branches.

George McElroy is mentioned on page 266 of the book by Lyn Gallagher, 'The Ulster Bank Story'.  She records that McElroy was an outstanding hockey player making 39 appearances for Ireland when fixtures were few and then playing for a British Isles team in 1951.  He was a member of Banbridge Hockey Club.

George McElroy retired on 15th March 1985.

He died in 19xx. The Ulster Hockey website records an obituary for McElroy:

"Ulster Hockey has learned of the sad passing of George McElroy.

Over many years he made a massive contribution to hockey in Ulster, particularly with Banbridge Hockey Club. George played at international level for eleven years winning 39 Irish caps and also a place on the Great Britain team for the 1956 Olympics in Melbourne, Australia.

On behalf of the Ulster Hockey community we express our deepest sympathy and sincere condolences to George's family, extended family and friends."