Athletics NI Saddened at Passing of Life Member Tommy Welsh MBE

Tommy, who was in his 99th year,  was a lifelong member of the original Co Antrim Harriers then based at Balmoral. Despite never having participated himself, Tommy was a mainstay in the sport both within the club where he served as Chairman and Secretary and in the Northern Ireland AAA's and subsequently Athletics Northern Ireland holding a variety of positions including Treasurer and representative for athletics on the Northern Ireland Commonwealth Games Council.  He regularly accompanied Northern Ireland International Cross Country and Road teams at a time when Northern Ireland competed as a separate Nation including at World Cross Country Championships. Tommy however will be best remembered as a constant fixture at Cross Country, Road and track along with his loyal and faithful wife Phyliss.  In the days before chip timing and live results, Tommy and Phylis could be found on the finish line dutifully recording the time and finishing position of every athlete. Despite the encroaching years, and ill health, Tommy retained his interest in the sport often to be found sitting in his, or Dave McKibbin's, car in a prominent position at the side of a course or at the track, a practice which continued right up until this year. To his widow Phylis, son Carson and the rest of the family circle we express our sincere condolences.