The late Tony Tynne delivered his life work by completing the long awaited book “On Wellesley Pier”. The book delivers a complete and fascinating look at the history of Limerick Boat Club. Below is a brief on the book and Tony from his loving wife Bernie.
Tony will be remembered fondly by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.
by Tony Tynne
Although “On Wellesley Pier” was printed in 2021 its birth began almost 40 years ago as an excerpt from Limerick Boat Club minutes in the 1980’s states that Tony Tynne was writing a history of the club!! The reality is that at that time Tony was collecting photographs, newspaper cuttings and memorabilia about Boat Club and its members and he continued doing this for many years but never got round to actually writing the book until he was diagnosed with terminal cancer in 2020.
With the limited time left to him Tony commenced writing his long promised history of LBC but were it not for the tremendous amount of research done by Brian Sheppard and the editing skills of Kieran Kerr I know the book would never have been completed but thanks to the determination of these two great friends. Despite the intense chemotherapy Tony underwent, eventually on the 7th April 2021, over 400 copies of “On Wellesley Pier” were delivered to the Tynne household and despite Covid lockdown at the time, within a few months, every copy was sold.
Tony’s love of Limerick Boat Club through good times and difficult times was evident to all who knew him and his love for the sport of rowing never diminished. He coached up to the age of 82 and enjoyed every moment of it. At the end of “On Wellesley Pier” there is an excerpt as follows which epitomises all that rowing meant to Tony.
“To me the most exhilerating thing about rowing has always been the graceful lift of the boat which results from that perfection of timing, that measured control of great power only rarely attained in high speed action. The best part of winning a race is the feeling of life and enthusiasm felt by all equally though not a word has passed and seemingly shared by the very boat itself as it nears the finishing line. No other sport requires such a close and minute co-ordination, no other art rewards those who have mastered it with such a strong sense of unity and power.” A.H.P.
I know that Tony’s legacy to all those oarsmen and oarswomen he coached through the years will live on and that they have benefited by knowing such a great and good man.
Bernie Tynne
How do you sum up 151 years of “The Boat Club”? Founded in 1870 a decade when Jesse James and his gang were in business, Sitting Bull was victorious in the battle of Little Big Horn and the Home Government Association was founded by Isaac Butt.
I joined L.B.C. (Limerick Boat Club) at 12 a hundred and nine years later! Our early years were fruitless but we were hooked, those fleeting moments when the boat was balanced and all blade and body motion was in sync was enough to keep us going. Training on fast flowing winter water and the calm beauty of the Shannon on warm summer evenings summed up the extremes of our playground. A river that is beguiling but also extremely cruel if not treated with respect.
Then the first regatta wins, Junior B4 in Athlone stands out. A day that didn’t begin with much hope. It was our first trip to Athlone and after rowing to what we thought was the start, the launch told us we were only half way down the course. It was the full 2000m. Then down came the biggest King’s Hospital crew we had ever seen before with their hairy chests leading the way! We both qualified for the final. In the final Galway and L.B.C. were neck and neck as we came to the finish and the hooter went off. We looked over and weren’t sure who won. Then over the load speaker L.B.C by two lengths. Watching the races later we realized that the finish line had a large stagger. However we were now 7ft tall and felt we could walk on water! No wonder winning is addictive!
Nights in the club house were just as memorable. So many characters, the twins (Dick Roche/Brendan Hanrahan), Billy Griffin playing pool, the O’Neill’s, Phil Doherty (best regatta picnic basket ever) Tony Tynne, Tony Barry and so many others. Shanty Town, Cards, Rock & Roll, Junior Disco’s, and quiz nights. Brian Sheppard (still carrying the load) always ensured the club house was warm (very warm) and always had plenty of salted peanuts! Wonder why?
The “Boat Club” has experienced good & bad times over the years. It is part of Limerick’s history and relies on the good will of Limerick people and surrounding counties. To help future generations have happy memories similar to mine please consider buying Tony Tynne’s book. “On Wellesley Pier”, Tony’s 30 years of research tells the full story! It’s available from any club member or by using the contact information on our website.
Richie Riddler – Vice Captain
We have now re-printed “On Wellesley Pier” by Tony Tynne. Please fill in the form below if you would like to purchase a copy and our Treasurer will be in touch to arrange delivery/collection/postage.
The book costs €25.00 to purchase and can be delivered/collected in Limerick City and can be posted far and wide.