Eoghan Ruadh to the Bone.
Most GAA clubs in Ireland have a rich source of volunteers working hard year in year out.
Without these volunteers the foundation of the GAA would probably not exist.
Each year they do their best to go one step further for their Club.
Selfless work day in day out to make things better than when they were young and for future generations to come.
Over the years Eoghan Ruadh Hurling Club was very fortunate to have many who fall into this category.
One of which was Thomas Colton.
Thomas became involved with Eoghan Ruadh over 4 decades ago.
Entering the scene in 1980 under the guidance of Noel Devlin RIP, Fergus Kennedy and Tommy Cushley he developed his underage skills.
A tall rangy lad with aerial dominance and a strong core in defence. He was centre back in our Club winning team of 1984 as we won the Tyrone U14 Championship and All Ireland Feile.
Noel Devlin present Thomas with the Juvenile Championship Cup 1988 at the Annual Dinner Dance in the Dunowen Inn.
2 years later at the age of 16, he was propelled into the 1986 Eoghan Ruadh Senior team who were unlucky not to win the Championship.
However, it wasn’t long before a first senior medal graced his hands in 1990, playing full forward as we finally relinquished Carrickmore of the Benburb Cup.
Thomas would go on to win 9 County titles, two as captain and 3 Ulster junior titles in his long career,
He was a central figure in Tyrone winning their first All Ireland Junior title in 1996 and won the Ulster Poc Fada in 1994.
Coaching.
Coaching in the 1970’s and 1980’s was a lot different to what it is nowadays.
Thomas started coaching in 1985.
Passing on what he had been taught by Noel, Fergus and Tommy and has continued mentoring teams to this very day.
He enjoys helping kids from as young as 4 learn new skills.
Making sure they feel part of the Eoghan Ruadh Family.
He knows time will pass quickly and these lads could one day be succesfully playing Senior hurling for our Club.
Working Away In the Background.
Thomas has been part of the Eoghan Ruadh Committee since 1986.
Serving two terms as chairman.
His second period lasted approximately 15 years and culminated with the greatest development period in our history.
The old playing fields were secured and made our sacred home.
Our Dan Morgan Memorial ball wall, training area, community walkway and a state of the art Club House and changing facilties were built.
A special mention to Ciaran Coyle RIP for all his hard work throughout his tenure and especially in helping secure the land.
Also to the Rev Monsignor Colum Curry for his assistance.
I am also eternally grateful to our founding fathers of 1946.
Those who kept hurling alive in this part of East Tyrone from the early 1900’s to the present day.
Especially those who worked hard on Committees and assisting in fundraising year in year out.
Family Man
Thomas is married to Marian and they have 3 Children.
All are involved with camogie and hurling.
I am very proud now watching my nephews and nieces as they wear the same colours I did as a child.
The torch is being passed on to future generations.
It is one of life’s pleasures visiting our Club.
Watching the large numbers using our community walkway and playing our National Games week in week out.
This is what it is all about.
Together we have managed to build, and sustain, a brilliant Community based Club within our area.
Always looking forward to our next chapter.
Thomas.
