Tommy Hyland – RIP

Dear Members,

It is with great sadness and a heavy heart that I have to advise you of the passing of a great Lymm RFC stalwart, Tommy Hyland aged 86. Tommy died peacefully on Thursday 14th November 2024, with his family at his side.

Tommy was a well-known and well-respected character at Lymm Rugby club for many years and his ever-smiling face welcomed home supporters and visitors to Beechwood, as he parted them from their gate money outside “Tommy’s Hut” – always with a smile and always with great Irish humour!!

Prior to becoming part of the Beechwood furniture in the mid 80’s, Tommy had a successful coaching career with Oughtrington Rovers football club and worked as a Painter with Cheshire County Council. His painting and decorating skills quickly came into good use as he became the go-to person for all things that required a lick of paint; changing rooms, club house facilities, the original concrete posts, and wooden railings around our first team pitch at the time and the rugby posts, to name but a few.

Tommy is also well remembered for his post-match raffles! He is the only person I know who could make a single bottle of whiskey survive as the main weekly raffle prize for a complete season! He had the ability to cajole the prize winner into gifting the prize back to the club for the following week and he became legendary for this within Lymm Rugby Club and visiting clubs.

Tommy was a regular passenger on the team bus for many years and followed our first team around the country in the various leagues within which we played. He was also a committed attendee of club social events with his wife of 63 years, Pauline.

When Tommy stepped back from his active roles within the Club he was recognised with an award of “Honorary Life Member”, for his commitment and dedication to the Club over many years, a well-deserved recognition.

Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife Pauline “McGinty”, his sons, Kevin, Michael and Gerard and his grandson Jake at this very sad time.

Rest in peace old friend, you will be sorely missed!!

John Cartwright

“Funeral details will be posted on the club website and social media channels when they are confirmed”.