SNIPE WATSON
Posted: Tue Feb 22, 2022 7:33 pm
It is with great sadness that I report the death of one of this board’s great characters, Snipe Watson – or Dave to those of us who knew him as more than a username.
Dave stood among us for many years on the east terrace, or “the terrace” as it is still more commonly known, sharing his wit and his wisdom in equal measure. He knew the game inside out and didn’t see things through Ulster rose-tinted spectacles, preferring to call things as they really were, but always supporting the players on the field. I have missed his company on the terrace for the past couple of years during his illness and will continue to miss him in the years to come.
Dave has fought bravely against cancer since he was diagnosed with a very rare type of tumour in late 2019. He went through many long and complicated surgeries and treatments in this country and in England, enduring all stoically and in the hope that he would make it back to Ravers to support Ulster. During that time, he continued watch on TV and to post on here when he was able, preferring to keep his illness to himself and a small number of close friends and relatives.
Each has their own way to cope when things go wrong – there is no right way, nor no wrong way, but that was Dave’s way. It was also Dave’s way to put his faith in Jesus, and accepted from the very beginning that that may or may not result in a cure.
I know there are some on here who disagree with Dave’s stance on religion, but I also know there are some who grew to respect Dave’s faith, even while not sharing it, simply by the way he was prepared to declare it and discuss it openly and honestly on this forum. Dave was a scholar of divinity (among other things), but his was no theoretical understanding of faith - Dave not only talked the talk, but also walked the walk. His faith was intensely personal and close. I am proud to say that Dave maintained that faith to the very end, and has been a very real source of inspiration to me, especially in the last few months when we both knew the end was coming. Dave was a witness for his Lord and Saviour to the end. I humbly ask that even if you do not share Dave’s beliefs, you can put that aside for one day and simply reflect on the loss of a lifelong Ulster supporter. I was proud to have been at Twickenham with him at our European final, at Thomond on Easter Sunday 2012, after we worshipped together in church in Limerick before our victory over Munster, and at numerous other matches over many years.
If it weren’t for rugby, I would never have known Dave – that's the beauty of sport. We came from different parts of the country, but our love of Ulster Rugby somehow brought us together on the terrace, and my life was enriched because of it.
Dave is survived by his wife and two sons - two very fine young men who also graced the terrace at Ravenhill and of whom he was rightly proud. If you are so minded, perhaps you will remember them in prayer in the difficult days ahead as they adjust to his loss.
RIP Dave. God Bless.
Dave stood among us for many years on the east terrace, or “the terrace” as it is still more commonly known, sharing his wit and his wisdom in equal measure. He knew the game inside out and didn’t see things through Ulster rose-tinted spectacles, preferring to call things as they really were, but always supporting the players on the field. I have missed his company on the terrace for the past couple of years during his illness and will continue to miss him in the years to come.
Dave has fought bravely against cancer since he was diagnosed with a very rare type of tumour in late 2019. He went through many long and complicated surgeries and treatments in this country and in England, enduring all stoically and in the hope that he would make it back to Ravers to support Ulster. During that time, he continued watch on TV and to post on here when he was able, preferring to keep his illness to himself and a small number of close friends and relatives.
Each has their own way to cope when things go wrong – there is no right way, nor no wrong way, but that was Dave’s way. It was also Dave’s way to put his faith in Jesus, and accepted from the very beginning that that may or may not result in a cure.
I know there are some on here who disagree with Dave’s stance on religion, but I also know there are some who grew to respect Dave’s faith, even while not sharing it, simply by the way he was prepared to declare it and discuss it openly and honestly on this forum. Dave was a scholar of divinity (among other things), but his was no theoretical understanding of faith - Dave not only talked the talk, but also walked the walk. His faith was intensely personal and close. I am proud to say that Dave maintained that faith to the very end, and has been a very real source of inspiration to me, especially in the last few months when we both knew the end was coming. Dave was a witness for his Lord and Saviour to the end. I humbly ask that even if you do not share Dave’s beliefs, you can put that aside for one day and simply reflect on the loss of a lifelong Ulster supporter. I was proud to have been at Twickenham with him at our European final, at Thomond on Easter Sunday 2012, after we worshipped together in church in Limerick before our victory over Munster, and at numerous other matches over many years.
If it weren’t for rugby, I would never have known Dave – that's the beauty of sport. We came from different parts of the country, but our love of Ulster Rugby somehow brought us together on the terrace, and my life was enriched because of it.
Dave is survived by his wife and two sons - two very fine young men who also graced the terrace at Ravenhill and of whom he was rightly proud. If you are so minded, perhaps you will remember them in prayer in the difficult days ahead as they adjust to his loss.
RIP Dave. God Bless.
, just as it wasn't always there between Baggy and myself, but we all got there in the end, and not only reached mutual respect, but became good friends. I have emailed and messaged Baggy, but maybe he hasn't been paying his bills in Spain and maybe hasn't picked this up yet. I hope and pray - yes, pray, that Baggy is well. 
