The Instonian community has lost a remarkable individual, with the passing of Ian Corry (RBAI 1970-77), who served as a valuable member of the Board of Governors for over 20 years from 2004 to 2025.
Born in North Belfast and initially educated at Cliftonville Primary School, Ian was the third member of his family to study at RBAI, following his father Gerald (RBAI 1938-42) and his uncle Stanley (RBAI 1933-40).
Alongside outstanding academic ability, achieving top grades across the board at A-Level, he pursued his passion for swimming at the highest level and was appointed Vice-Head of School in his final year.
An exceptionally gifted swimmer, Ian became Irish and British Age Group breaststroke champion in 1972 and was Irish 200 metre breaststroke champion for seven consecutive years during the 1970’s.
An indication of his talent was that he represented Northern Ireland at the 1974 Commonwealth Games in New Zealand, when he was only 14 years old. Four years later he reached the 200 metre medley final at the 1978 games in Edmonton, Canada, where his team-mates included RBAI swimmers Robert Howard (Inchmarlo & RBAI 1960-74) and Michael Meharg (Inchmarlo & RBAI 1968-78).
After leaving RBAI, Ian studied Medicine at The University of Edinburgh, followed by overseas fellowships in Auckland, New Zealand, and Sydney, Australia, en route to becoming one of Ireland’s most respected orthopaedic surgeons, specialising in sports medicine and knee surgery. He became a Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh (FRCS Edin) and a Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (FRCSI).
Reflecting his long standing and very passionate commitment to the school, Ian joined the RBAI Board of Governors in March 2004. A few years later he took on the daunting challenge of chairing the Bicentenary Committee, which was responsible for organising a series of memorable events celebrating the 200th anniversary of RBAI in 2010.
Paying tribute, Principal Janet Williamson commented:
“Ian, as a colleague and friend, embodied the values of RBAI and was an excellent role model. His integrity, commitment and leadership were to his credit and to the benefit of the school.
To have competed in the Commonwealth Games at such a young age is an inspiration for current and future pupils. He leaves a tremendous legacy and will be sorely missed.”
Speaking on behalf of the Board of Governors, Chairman Michael Howard reflected:
“Ian was an outstanding Instonian. He was deeply committed to ensure that RBAI remains at the forefront of education in Northern Ireland.
Ian was involved in the establishment of the RBAI Foundation in 2013 and chaired the Foundation Committee for the past ten years. Under his leadership, more than £4.5million was raised for pupil bursaries and the development of the School estate.
Our thoughts are with his wife Janet, children Shona, Malcolm and Eve, and wider family at this time.”
Ian Corry, 28 February 1959 – 29 April 2025.