It was with immense sadness that we learnt that our secretary, Jacky Murray, passed away unexpectedly of a heart attack on Saturday 28 January after being taken ill while playing in a hockey match at Hull University sports ground. Tragic news of such a wonderful, vivacious, thoughtful lady with a heart of gold and immense dedication to the sport we love was devasting to us all.
Jacky was born in Accrington, Lancashire where she grew up and went to school. She moved to Hull to study Geography at Hull University where she played for the University team. On leaving University she became a geography teacher in Hull and joined Hull & East Riding HC. During the 1990s she moved to Hull Circle HC where she remained an active playing member and a driving force for the club. She also played regularly for British Gas in the mixed league in Humberside.
Jacky’s passion for hockey lasted throughout her life and made her many life-long friends, both as a player and as an umpire. Never one to be shy of responsibility, she was not only a committee member in her club but was the Yorkshire and NE Masters Chair, as well as sitting on the Umpires’ committee.
Representing the North, England and LX Ladies in the over 60s and 65s, Jacky’s international career in Masters hockey began in 2014 when she played for England over 60s in the World Cup in Rotterdam and in the Home Nations. She built up a reputation for her determination and tenacity on the pitch and for her good nature, thoughtfulness and cheery smile off the pitch.
Jacky’s sporting enthusiasm was not just limited to hockey: she played bowls with her husband Jim and, during lockdown, turned her skills to golf. Within 18 months she had won 4 golf trophies and reduced her handicap significantly.
However, we particularly remember her for being a founding member of LX Ladies HC in 2016 just prior to taking a touring team, LX Lionesses, to Australia in 2016. She took on the role of Secretary of our club, undertaking this important role with her usual enthusiasm, commitment and impeccable organisation. It is very much to her credit that we now have teams of over 60s, 65s and 70s participating in the Spirit of Masters section of the World Cup, as well as in many other tournaments in the UK, Europe and Worldwide. To travel to and play our beloved sport in countries such as the Netherlands, Belgium, Spain and South Africa have been wonderful experiences, and in her memory we will continue to participate in Masters Hockey.
Jacky will be greatly missed by her husband Jim, a regular supporter of LX Ladies, her sons Rob and Andrew, daughter-in-law Laura and granddaughter Isabel, as well as other members of her family.
She will also be very sadly missed by the many people she befriended, encouraged, inspired and loved, including the LX Ladies family. She leaves a huge hole in our lives and will never ever be forgotten. Rest in peace, dearest Jacky.
LX Ladies 
Thanks Deborah wonderful piece. I
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I only knew Jacky for a short time compared to many from LX but it was Jacky who I met at Dundee and encouraged me to get back to hockey. Through her, I ended up having a great time with LX and a return to the sport I love. When I used my aches and pains as an excuse she replied, ‘Rubbish! We’ve all got those.’ That was typical of her ‘get on with it’ attitude and as always, said with a smile on her face. Thank you Jacky. Xxx
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