TRIBUTE TO TOM DONNELLY

I should really be starting this with a grand quote from a literary classic. Tom, who devoured books like training sessions, had a profound quote for all occasions. They would appear regularly on the messageboard or on the fly-leaf of a book which you just happened to mention in a throwaway line – and which duly arrived on the door mat the next morning.

That sort of care and consideration can get lost in today’s fast living – Tom had it in spades. There are other things that have also got lost – chivalry, honour, respect, being principled – Tom was a real gentleman.

He was a father figure to us : approving, disapproving, praising, chiding, cajoling, advising caution, laughing at us, scolding us. And, of course, coaching us. How the Legends will miss all that.

I first met Tom some 15 years ago in the changing rooms a Queen’s PEC. It was not the most auspicious of beginnings. He had lost his Y-fronts. A search was duly launched, the article of undergarment secured and another brother had been signed up to the madcap, restless world of multi-sport.

Tom took to it like a duck to water although, ironically, the swimming was the one thing he could never master. That T.S.Lowry frame simply refused to float. It was a source of great irritation to him that he could never rid himself of the buoyancy aid.

Although, he had one moment of triumph! He entered for the Alcatraz triathlon which included that famous current-ridden swim from the prison to the mainland. Tom produced the fastest swim time of all the Legends there – with his accountant’s attention to detail he had discovered where the current ran quickest and positioned himself on that side at the start.

“ Don’t be mentioning it,” he’d said.” Tell them how well the others got on.”

Tom had come to exhaustion exercise late in life as a distraction while he cared for his wife who was terminally ill. But when Bernadette died he adopted the Legends and all they were involved in tearing up the roads on the bike, hurtling down mountains in fell races, trying to keep his 10K time under 45 minutes.

But he didn’t just train and compete; he looked after everyone – Legends’ families, extended families – newspaper cuttings, handcrafted letters flew through the post. If it had been possible for him to do something for you yesterday he would have done it.

A stroke some 5 years ago left him with balance problems - but although he had to sacrifice some things, it could not stop that indefatigable spirit. As late as last year he was competing in the World Age Group Triathlon Championships in Lausanne.

A couple of memories : Tom sitting with his Mourne Mountain marathon partner Bob Cooke at overnight camp with a cloth laid out on the heather on which was silver cutlery and white wine. And, within an hour of Tom and I finishing the Venice marathon in around 3 hours 45 minutes he was off touring St Mark’s .

We have lost a true legend, who was an inspiration to us all. We are going to miss him terribly but he will always be in our thoughts and in our hearts.

We would like to extend our sympathy to Tom and Angela and to Paddy and the wider family circle.

You may like to add your thoughts and memories to our messageboard.

Ed Smith

Name: Stoker	Date: May 10, 2007, 10:47 am
His attitude to life was refreshing, indeed he lived the life. Tom always had a story to tell, whether you were a life-long friend or a stranger that he had just met up with. You were never alone when Tom was about. He was also a real competitor, even though he had this facade of not being too fussy. I'll never forget the pleasure on his face when he beat me by five seconds during last year's Ballynahinch 10K. He will be missed.
Name: pec reception staff	Date: May 9, 2007, 1:28 pm
our sympathies to Tom's family circle from Reception at the PEC. what a character! we are very sorry that we never did get out for our dinner with him. a true gentleman will be very missed.
Name: Finn	Date: May 9, 2007, 11:23 am
Difficult to believe i,ll never see Tom again.He is irreplaceable and leaves a void that can never be filled.Returning home from his final farewell yesterday i passed the bike i would never have bought,the event medals that would never have been mine....if not for Tom. I fell in love with beautiful San Francisco and escaped from Alcatraz....unforgettable experiences that would never have been mine.....if not for Tom. Who will keep me in check now?It will still be Tom..as yet again this morning sorting through my bills i find another hand written schedule from Tom,this time a three k event,encouraging me to give up the lemonade,lose weight and achieve my potential!?Priveleged to know him,will never forget him.He ran with the legends,now he walks with the angels.
Name: Fraser	Date: May 9, 2007, 11:12 am
Goodbye Tom. Sorry I could never come up with good advice to help you float. Will miss you in the pool and along the towpath.
Name: John Rice	Date: May 9, 2007, 7:30 am
Tom we will miss you terribly. Who else will berate me about my marathon times, never content with just good enough, I can hear your gentle chiding as I take the next step up the Fragrant Hills in Beijing. Memories of dinners with family, support for my mum and dad, always considerate and always caring. Go with grace Tom, our love and thoughts are with you Angela, big Tom and Paddy.

Name: Ellie	Date: May 8, 2007, 9:59 pm
Thank you to all the legends for your support yesterday I really enjoyed my first marathon - Heather and Martina thanks for the pressies x I ran with my black ribbon in memory of Tom, an angel of support and strength on my shoulder. Tom, thank you for the champagne to celebrate my graduation, long debates on contemporary art, shaking up tins of guinness and so much more. Ellie
Name: d m	Date: May 8, 2007, 6:18 pm
appreciated your friendship , will miss your quotes
Name: ruth	Date: May 8, 2007, 5:44 pm
I only knew Tom for a short time.He was a real gentleman.We will all miss you so much Tom.
Name: Natalie	Date: May 8, 2007, 5:22 pm
Despite two partners in the same building who knew Tom well, I only heard today about Tom passing away, and am sorry to have missed what was apparently a fitting farewell. I have only known Tom a short time, but in that time he set a fine example, and taught me to set and achieve small goals, leading on to bigger ones!!! A nicer man you will never meet.
Name: Matthew Wilson	Date: May 8, 2007, 2:32 pm
As my mum has previuosly mentioned, Tom has been a huge support to all of us Wilsons. At every step in my progress in sport, Tom has always made a point of contacting me and helping me out practically. His help with raising money for me to go to Australia for my first World Championships 2 years ago was really welcome and just sums up the man he was. Humble, selfless and always giving. Without this support and his advice I would never have got there. Tom is a man who did, and will probably continue to inspire people. Seeing him keep at the sport after his illness impacted me in a huge way. Only real legends could have continued to do what he did. Through this period in his life he showed that although life throws things at you, they are merely barriers that are to be overcome. He stuck his head down and came back in a big way. In the World of sport that is what true champions are made of. Toms life of success, humility and friendliness is one that has had a great impact on me. Thanks Tom Matt
Name: Elvira Murphy	Date: May 8, 2007, 9:30 am
I never got to know Tom that well, but would like to say what a jolly and happy man with a welcoming smile at all times. having swam alongside with him on sunday i find this extraordinary man a true and geniune man with a heart of gold. so sorry never got to make that coffee with him when i was asked which i had. I will truly miss not seeing him on a sunday at the pool. My commiseration to his family and all who were much closer to him. Will try to be there to say my farewell to a man with a welcoming smiles at all times.
Name: Kevin Wright	Date: May 8, 2007, 7:37 am
Just after my Dad's death back in 1986, Tom introduced me to the legends as I embarked on a Mourne Marathon run for charity with my cousin John Rice. Although I had always known Tom as a family friend and relative, it was not until the legends that I was truly fortunate enough to meet Tom and be inspired by his drive, integrity and friendship. He was always there with a welcome smile and so often, he put his arm around and encouraged me. With living in England since 2000, I only get home every few months and yet Tom was always the first to greet me and ask about Therese and the kids. I am sorry I cannot be with you today to celebrate the life of this exceptional man, my sincere condoleneces to Tom jnr and all the family. The happy memories will be with me forever. Sadly missed by Kevin and all the Wright family.
Name: The Eagle	Date: May 7, 2007, 11:00 pm
I was there when Tom made his first appearance at the Legends, and hopefully will be there to give him a send-off befitting a true Legend. So many happy memories in between. Thanks, Tom.

Name: Trevor Adair	Date: May 7, 2007, 4:16 pm
I met Tom through a mutual friend(Paul Acheson)Upon that first gathering at the beautiful Royal County Down I knew I had just met a true gentleman. His willingness to care about others was simply amazing. You will be missed by many from all around the world. You truely made the world a better place to live. Thank you for the memories.
Name: Eamonn and Lisa Horgan	Date: May 7, 2007, 12:17 pm
Such sad news to hear of Tom's "Transition", but to have lived a life like toms, action packed and fighting fit for so long, is envious, and something I would hope to aspire to his at his wonderful age! I remember seeing tom at the galway triathlon in Daingan there a few years back and I just looked at him in awe! He is the stuff Legends are made of! Enjoy the next life Tom! and fair play on the last one - you used it to its fullest ! Eamonn and Lisa Horgan
Name: Marty	Date: May 7, 2007, 8:09 am
True Legends never die, they live on by virtue of the memories they give to the lives they so graciously touched.
Name: Denise	Date: May 6, 2007, 6:47 pm
Words fail me, I will miss you forever Tom. Until we meet again. Denise.
Name: Nick, Joanne, Thomas and newborn (boy)	Date: May 6, 2007, 12:11 am
Tom, you will be sadly missed by everyone who had the pleasure to be in the warm glow of your company. You had an amazing ability to make even the most average runner feel like they were a winner,who could achieve anything if the applied themselves properly. You will always be remembered as a true legend and a friend, we look forward to meeting you again on the track.
Name: LL	Date: May 4, 2007, 11:00 pm
Had a look back, and just to complete Tom's quote: This above all: to thine ownself be true, And it must follow, as the night the day, Thou canst not then be false to any man. Farewell: my blessing season this in thee!
Name: John T.	Date: May 4, 2007, 10:37 pm
Tom your outstreached hand of friendship and genuine welcome will never be forgotten.
Name: Janice McHenry	Date: May 4, 2007, 10:29 pm
Goodnight Tom, we will miss your support, interest in what we are all doing and looking out for Desi. Janice, Ewan, Ryan
Name: Rachel Boyd	Date: May 4, 2007, 9:00 pm
Although only a daughter of legend member, Tom was keen to know how I was getting on and always offered encouragement. An inspirational character for me as a young sportsperson, not just for being extraordinary in his achievements, but for being an extraordinarily nice guy.

Name: Paul	Date: May 4, 2007, 5:13 pm
My fondest memory of Tom is also from the Irish Age Group Champs in Galway 2005 On the run leg, the large crowd that formed around the finishing bank erupted into an almighty applause and cheers as Tom went by on every lap. Tom tried his best to ignore it and stay focused on the race but you could see him smiling and doing small polite waves as if to say thank you very much, but you shouldn't really. There will be a round of appluase for Tom before the start of the tomorrow at 3pm.
Name: Martina & Konrad	Date: May 4, 2007, 4:23 pm
We Loved your Zest for life, your bright inquiring mind, even when you were a 'Bossy Boots'! A hero to Konrad and I greatly admired your immense appreciation of Art and Literature. I can honestly say you enriched my life, enabling me to appreciate the profound connection between Art and Spirituality. Thankgod we were afforded the privilege of knowing you.
Name: Shileen & Donal	Date: May 4, 2007, 3:33 pm
We first met Tom some 6 years ago on the night Shileeen's father later died. Two days later Tom had found out were Shileen lived and turned up to offer his sympathy at the funneral, such was Tom's consideration and empathy for others. Shileen has always held dear that memory of such a thoughtful thing for him to have done. At the other end of the scale Tom was on the phone only 2 weeks ago leaving a message of Congratulations on hearing the news of our due baby. Sad to think he won't just casually call-in again on foot from his house as he would on occasion do. Our thoughts to young Tom and family
Name: Denis	Date: May 4, 2007, 1:25 pm
Like everyone else I seem to have known Tom for a lifetime. Our paths seemed to collide in so many different spheres - professionally as accountants, then through ski-ing and into the triathlon sports (only last week we literally collided in the fast lane of the PEC swimming pool!). My abiding memory of Tom is of sharing a pint of guinness in a Galway pub the night before the 2005 age group Tri championships after he had done all the driving. His life was in perfect harmony despite the importance of the next day's competition.
Name: Barry	Date: May 4, 2007, 12:44 pm
Tom, you were a true gentleman, sportsman, legend and pleasure to know - ATB.
Name: Johnny D	Date: May 4, 2007, 11:46 am
In a modern world where self interest is often valued more than shared interest Tom was a reminder of how dignity , selflessness and generosity could and should be given a greater place in our daily lives. In a competitive environment Tom was focused and determined but he never treated his fellow competitors with anything but total respect. I have two young children who thought the world of him and he has touched our family life in a very special way - they realise what a special man they were lucky to know - he will always be in our thoughts.
Name: Wes	Date: May 4, 2007, 11:35 am
There was an emotional minute at the start of last nights Hill& Dale race in the Mournes. Richard Rogers paid a short tribute to Tom and there was sustained applause by the 130 runners in his memory.
Name: Wes	Date: May 4, 2007, 11:28 am
Memories are too great to catalogue..everywhere we go there will be a reminder of Tom..Harberton Park (a wee V&T in the lounge)..Mournes..PEC..Brick sessions etc. One of my memories of Tom is of him standing,for six hours in pouring rain in Zofingen (nibbling at competitors food provisions) while I completed the bike leg of the Powerman,this was typical of the man. He was a true friend,a kind ,honourable and generous gentleman. Tom,you will be sadly missed..May god Bless you
Name: Willie	Date: May 4, 2007, 10:09 am
In 1995 Tom had just started running with the legends and I asked him to join our relay team in the Belfast Marathon and come back to my house afterwards. He has been a part of my life ever since, a man I greatly respected and I am stunned and sad and will miss him.
Name: Glen	Date: May 3, 2007, 10:27 pm
Last September Tom travelled with Olympian Triathlon club to the World championships in Luasanne, Switzerland, to represent Ireland in his age group. We were all fortunate to share his friendship that weekend and he took the time to offer words of encouragement to each of us. Within the Ireland team and indeed other countries, Tom earned so much respect when he conquered an undulating Olympic distance course in heat approaching 30 degrees - what a guy. Another great memory that I recall was when Tom won his age group in another Olympic distance triathlon in Galway back in 2005. The event was being televised and Tom got more coverage and louder cheers than the elite guys. The spectators witnessed an awesome achievement for someone in their seventies and I'm sure he inspired many more to have a go at triathlon. Please follow this link to the Olympian Triathlon Club website for more tributes and pictures of Tom www.otcbelfast.com.
Name: Big Neill	Date: May 3, 2007, 9:46 pm
I made my last message board entry on May 1st, it stated... "Some good news on a sad day" It was entered just after I had established the facts of Toms tragic death, but at a time before they could be made public, and so I could not record my shock and sadness, I can now. Tom was, and will remain, an inspiration to me as I am sure he has been to many of the Legends. One of the best tributes that we can make to this true gentleman is to take a deep breath, a moments thought and then do a personal best in his honour. He would enjoy that. Thank you Tom, you gave so much more to our little group than you received. Neill.

Name: Joe M	Date: May 3, 2007, 9:24 pm
Words fail me ,at times like this.A true friend gone."The strength that yougive us,we ask that life be kind" R.I.P.
Name: Philip	Date: May 3, 2007, 8:33 pm
Tom A true legend, a shineing example a motovator/mentor Very Sadly missed Inspirational.
Name: Greg	Date: May 3, 2007, 5:10 pm
I will most remember Tom's incredibly positive attitude to life, his genuine interest in and concern for everyone and his simple words of wisdom never overstated. A true gentleman and friend never to be forgotten.
Name: Jens	Date: May 3, 2007, 3:45 pm
My personal hero no more! I will have to follow his footsteps without him now.
Name: Jim	Date: May 3, 2007, 3:26 pm
Very sad news. Tom, you will be missed. I remember watching you swim in Castlewellan a few years back and thinking I hope they keep an eye on him. But never fear, out you pop at the end smiling. More than a match for any of us.
Name: Derek	Date: May 3, 2007, 3:01 pm
Fitting tributes to a great Legend, and a truly delightful and inspiring man. Tom's care for his fellow Legends - new, old and occasional - really was wonderful. He will be sorely missed.
Name: Anne	Date: May 3, 2007, 2:06 pm
For the last 6 months Tom spent 4 days a week with me in the pool at Queens- teaching me to swim. His dedication, patience and committment were staggering. After 4 months I swam 10 consecutive lenghts and Tom presented me with a big hug and a lovely wee silver trophy, engraved to say well done- Tom will never know how much that meant to me. Tom's belief in my ability to swim never wavered and I have entered my first Triathlon on 19May. 6 months ago a triathlon was unthinkable- Thank you Tom. Tom had such charm and always had a little twinkle in his eyes- What a great man! Miss him very much.
Name: Heather	Date: May 3, 2007, 2:02 pm
I can never thank Tom enough for his encouragement, inspiration + friendship. The ultimate legend. He will be missed by us all but our lives have been enriched for ever by the privilage of knowing him.
Name: Dalreen Wilson	Date: May 3, 2007, 1:08 pm
As a mother and wife of three legends. Paul,Matthew and Robert, I will never forget the encouragement and the support Tom gave to my three men. He was never off the phone if one of them was injured or ill and I really appreciated that so much. The support he gave my sons at uni was unbelievable. The first time he rang our house he apoligised for not being able to say my name, so with pen at the ready he wrote it down and never forgot it from then. Thankyou Tom
Name: Heather	Date: May 3, 2007, 1:01 pm
I can never thank Tom enough for his encouragement, inspiration + friendship. The ultimate legend. He will be missed by us all but our lives have been enriched for ever by the privilage of knowing him.
Name: Moira	Date: May 3, 2007, 12:57 pm
In a sport in which it often comes down to individual effort, Tom was the ultimate team player. We will continue to learn from his example and be touched by his presence.
Name: Patsy	Date: May 3, 2007, 12:54 pm
A void that can never be filled. We are all enriched for having been blessed with his friendship. Thank you Tom

Name: Gavin

Date: May 3, 2007, 11:08 am

Thank you Ed for a fit and moving tribute to a true Legend: Mr Tom Donnelly. Tom was indefatigable in his support, advice and the world's most affable kick up the backside when he felt one was in need of it! I remember him politely asking to accompany me to the Irish Sprint Triathlon Championships in Skerries five or six years ago, and having picked him up at 6am start from Belfast his motivational talk on the way to Dublin, support throughout the race and "post-match" analysis on the way back were simply further evidence of his selflessness. Tom really cared about you, your family and everything that was going on in your life. I will miss him a lot.