Tommy Campbell, a really popular figure on the Irish cycling scene, has very sadly passed away
The death has been announced of Tommy Campbell, the well known Irish cycling commissaire and journalist. Aside from officiating at races for decades, Tommy wrote for the Evening Herald, Irish Independent and Sunday Independent, helping to promote Irish cycling through the eras.
Not content with writing about the sport in Ireland for a domestic audience, he also wrote for a number of international publications, including cyclingnews for many years.
For UCI president Pat McQuaid, whose connection with Tommy went back to his days as an amateur rider on the domestic scene, said he had been alongside Tommy as rider and official.
“I have known Tommy Campbell since he rode on the Bray Wheelers team in the Tours of Ireland won by Peter Doyle,1968 and Paul Elliott 1970,” McQuaid told stickybottle.
“Tommy was very much a domestique on those teams. His cycling career wasn’t stellar but he had a love of the sport which dominated his life ever since.
“He became an official and was happy to do any job a club wanted. He also became a commissaire and worked on hundreds of events, from the Nissan Classic through to the Junior Tour, to weekend events.
“He was a prolific writer promoting our sport at home and abroad. Cycling was his life, as many will confirm, and Irish cycling owes him a huge debt of gratitude. May he rest in peace.”
The Junior Tour of Ireland said Tommy had made an invaluable contribution to the race for a large part of his life.
“We are saddened to learn today of the passing of Tommy Campbell. Tommy was our chief commissaire at the Junior Tour, overseeing proceedings for many years,” the race said in a statement.
“Always one to ensure fairness within the sport and taking account of the learning curve for the young riders who passed through the Junior Tour – and the many other stage races he officiated at – Tommy ensured he gave the time to listen to everybody on the race, no matter what the issue.
“We extend our heartfelt condolences to the Campbell family, cycling friends and colleagues at this difficult time. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.”
Cycling Ireland said it was “saddened to learn of the passing” Tommy, describing him as a “long time cycling ambassador”.
“Tommy had been involved in cycling all his life not only as a rider, commissaire and administrator – but also through his fantastic commitment as a cycling journalist.
“He promoted some of the best races and events in Ireland – always a man to be able to get a few “punts” out of someone – he introduced many major brands to cycling sponsorship in the past including many large deals including Guinness.
“Tommy was involved in all stages of our federation’s journey into Cycling Ireland as we know it today, having been a senior administrator in the Irish Cycling Federation, member of the Irish Cycling Tripartite Committee, and finally a Board Member of Cycling Ireland.
“His smile and happiness will be missed by all. Cycling Ireland would like to extend heartfelt condolences to the Campbell Family at this time. May he rest in peace.”
More to come.