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Tommy Nicolson, Kyles Athletic - UPDATED! | |
07 December 2014 Everyone at Skye Camanachd was sad to hear of the passing of Kyles Athletic stalwart Tommy Nicolson. Tommy Nicolson passed away on Thursday 4 December 2014 after a long illness aged 75 years. His funeral will take place at 11am at Kames Parish Church on Friday 12 December 2014 when there is sure to be a huge turnout. Tommy Nicolson won seven Camanachd Cup winners medals for Kyles Athletic throughout the 60s and 70s and he was truly one of the Tighnabruaich club’s all-time greats. Skye Camanachd Chairman Davie MacVicar said, “In an era when the word “legend” is vastly over used, shinty has lost a real legend and a true sportsman in Tommy Nicolson. I vividly remember watching Tommy in Camanachd Cup Finals in the 70’s – he won the Albert Smith medal in 1974. One final in particular stands out and that was the 1976 Camanachd Cup Final in Inverness when Kyles Athletic beat Newtonmore 4-2 and Tommy was among the goalscorers. The shinty was of the highest order that day and there was no greater exponent in the art of scoring goals than wee Tom. I had the pleasure of playing against him during my time at Col Glen and even in the later stages of his career he played with a real flair and a smile on his face. A legend and true sportsman who will be sadly missed by all who love the sport of shinty. Our sincerest sympathies go to Maggie, Neil, Lorna and all the family.” Shinty historian Dr Hugh Dan MacLennan said, “Wee Tommy, as he was known to all and sundry, left his mark on the game in more ways than can be noted here. As fine a bearer of the Nicolson name and tradition, a grandson of the legendary athlete Tom Nicolson, he may well be remembered for Donald MacKay’s magnificent award-winning photo from the 1978 Camanachd Cup Final. Taken by the great Donald MacKay, it, to most people, featured another legend, John MacKenzie of Newtonmore. What is less well-known is that the “real” picture included Tommy, who had never strayed too far from John all afternoon at Claggan Park, John tells the story a little bit more colourfully and forever shared a great friendship. Three legends rolled into one really.” “A shepherd and farmer, Tommy had the traditional Tighnabruaich engine, the magnificent spirit of the Kyles of Bute and the camaraderie and bonhomie one expects in one of shinty’s great homelands. His first great impact on the game came when he scored all three goals for Kyles in the 1962 Camanachd Cup Final. His playing career ended as the 70s did following a great serious of matches against Newtonmore. On a personal level he once cost Glasgow University an advanced place in the Sutherland Cup final when he single-handedly turned a game at Garscadden having come from full-back to full forward. I know that to my cost as I was the University custodian he severely embarrassed on that day.” Will you come along with me to that haven by the sea? To that place out in the west where my thoughts aye come to rest. Feast your eyes on beauties rare, free for all the world to share. Take the high road from Dunoon on some sunny afternoon. With a welcome warm and true from the good friends that we knew Celly Paterson
Tommy's great friend John MacKenzie of Newtonmore added, “The final whistle has blown for one of the greatest legends of our game but our sporting exchanges are still deeply etched in my memory. True sportsman indeed, every touch of the ball spelt danger for any opponent and never once did he have to resort to anything else other than playing the game. Sincere condolences to all associated with Kyles Athletic Shinty Club. A legend and a great life-long friend has gone but will never be forgotten! When will we see his likes again.” Tommy is survived by his wife Maggie, daughter Lorna and son Neil and our condolences go out to them, the wider family and the Kyles Athletic shinty community. (Picture of Tommy Nicolson & John MacKenzie from the Donald MacKay collection) |