It is with huge regret that we announce the death Donny (The Hobbit) Hay on Saturday, August 29, 2026. Donny, a member of Grange since 1977-78, sadly passed away following a very short illness – aggressive lymphoma cancer.
Donny was a Hockey, Squash and Tennis member at Grange but he will be most remembered for his legendary status within the Hockey Club. He joined Grange Hockey Club in season 1977-1978 while attending Heriot-Watt University. He immediately established himself as a leading figure in the 1st XI and was instrumental in the 1982 Scottish Cup winning team, and then captained the 1982-83 National League winning side. He was also an integral part of the Grange 1st XI, which achieved great success in the 1990’s, winning the Scottish Cup in 1994 and then back-to back league titles in the 1994-95 and 1995-96 seasons.
Donny won 51 outdoor and 10 Indoor caps for Scotland. His first outdoor cap was awarded in 1980 and he represented his country in the 1983 and 1987 European Championships.
His energy, effervescent character, and non-stop running created mayhem, mainly, but not always, for the opposition. The legendary Scotland coach and former Grange player, Derek Batchelor, nicknamed him “The Hobbit” (a nickname that stuck with him) because he kept disappearing from his set position into areas where he had no right to be – before sprinting off to cause chaos somewhere else on the pitch. Former France International sweeper & captain, Thierry Martin, once commented that Donny had a ‘dynamo for a heart,’ and his family fondly referred to him as the Duracell Bunny.
Donny’s mischievous nature and boundless energy was infectious. He was a rare breed of player – loved and respected by his own teammates and opposition players alike. Donny loved sport and playing hockey. He was not elitist. He supported and played for every team in the Grange Hockey club without ego, arrogance or expectation – Internationalist, 1st XI captain, the Development Team with youngsters finding their way, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th and 7th XI. In the past few years he organised the Grange Vets/Masters midweek side and represented Scotland in age-restricted Masters Hockey in all age groups when eligible. As recently as late July he played in the European Championships for Scotland Over 65’s in Poznan, Poland.
Donny’s sudden illness and passing has left the both The Grange and Hockey communities devastated. Much loved, respected and missed. We will remember Donny Hay with huge fondness.
Ian Roberts