Athletics NI mourns the loss of Rory Friel

Rory was a coach, administrator and official always with a stopwatch in hand which he used in his own inimitable way.  Based for most of his life in South Down, Rory’s death will be most gravely felt in the world of School’s athletics throughout Ireland.  During his teaching career, and more recently  in retirement, he inspired young athletes through his enthusiasm and deep knowledge particularly in the realms of middle distance running.

Over the past four decades, firstly with Shimna College and then with the all-conquering St Colman’s Newry, Rory has produced a host of individual stars and outstanding team success. He led St Colman’s to an amazing eight All Ireland Titles in Cross Country, most recently taking Minor and Intermediate Boys  in Galway in March when the school won the Best All Round School for the first time.

 Individual stars like Austin Finn, Jack O’Farrell, the Monaghan twins Andrew and Patrick and British  International Raymond Adams all achieved success under Rory’s care. Indeed it is the care for his athletes which came through strongly when he spoke of them. “He is a lovely lad” was a regular comment he would make about one of his athletes. He cared not just about their athletics achievements but their life’s journey. He made use of his many contacts in the sport, far and wide, to give them the opportunity to excel.

At the time of his death Rory held the position of International Competitions Director of Irish Schools and had recently handed over the Chairmanship of Ulster Schools to Francis Shaw.  He also served for some time on the Athletics Northern Ireland Board.

Many young athletes will remember Rory fondly from his position as Coach to the teams who travelled each year to compete in the London Mini Marathon.  As an organiser of the School’s Districts and Ulster Schools Cross Country his commitment was unsurpassed.

Somehow, he managed to find time in between coaching, teaching and administering to diversify into other sports.  He spent time running  the Down GAA team through a fitness regime in Tollymore Forest and his golfing talent with Greenore Golf Club led to many awards.

In the latter days of his illness Rory was surrounded by his family to whom he was a devoted father and grandfather. He would regularly pull out his mobile phone to show the latest picture of his grand daughter. 

It will take some time to come to terms with the sudden loss of a man who has given so much to the sport and his shoes will be hard to fill.

To  the family, friends and students of Rory Athletics NI extends its deepest sympathy.

John T Glover