Galway sport lost two respected figures recently with the sad passing of John Tierney and Jimmy Ward.
During accomplished footballing careers Tierney and Ward earned many admirers for a skilful approach.
A passion for sport was passed through the generations with some of their sons remaining highly involved as influential figures in the local game.
Former Galway Football Association chairman Joe Keating acknowledges their rich contribution. “It is very sad, both going within hours of each other,” Keating says.
Tierney’s impact with Galway Hibernians 1983 Connacht Junior Cup winning team is still fondly recalled.
“He had outstanding control of a ball, funny enough, the more people that were around John when the ball would arrive, the better he would actually be,” Keating remembers.
“His close control and ability to pick out a pass was outstanding. I had the privilege of playing with Hibs when we won the Connacht Cup in 1983, his understanding with Colm Naughton was really telepathic, it was uncanny to watch them.
“Also Jimmy Laffey, that three, their understanding was outstanding. Another big occasion for them was when they won the Salthill Fives around that era – a big competition at the time.”
Sligo native Mike Rafferty, a former Hibs player, and keen observer of junior football for decades enjoyed featuring alongside Tierney for the famous black and white striped team.
“John was one of many good players that played with Hibs back in that day,” Rafferty says. “I joined in 1982 and that was certainly the beginning of a very good era for the club. He formed a partnership with Colm Naughton, both of them were from Bohermore, Jimmy Laffey was another player from Bohermore, amongst many others.
“They were three of the notables on the team, all smashing, wonderfully talented players. All brought different aspects to the game. John had a control, touch, and ability that other players at the time didn’t have.”
Football always mattered in Bohermore. Keating speaks about tales Tierney told regarding learning from the gifted Brian Delargy. “He often told me the story about Brian Delargy, who was the best footballer I remember seeing in local soccer, even to this day,” Keating says.
“He played with Hibernians, he transferred to Shelbourne. He scored many goals for Shelbourne. John was from just across the road to Brian Delargy, when John was younger out on the street Delargy would be belting balls at him, getting him to control the ball, he often told me that little story.”
When Keating took charge of the Galway & District League Oscar Traynor Cup team, he quickly sought Tierney's shrewd guidance and support.
That so many players from the area enjoyed success with Hibs brought joy. Rafferty relished the 1983 Connacht Cup triumph. “Generally in those days we would have played 4-3-3, John wide on the right, Colm in the middle, and Ger Flaherty from the Claddagh, wide on the left,” Rafferty says.
“They were the front three for that Connacht Cup winning team. John Tierney had wonderful ability, he scored crucial goals, it was his vision. His son, Mike, was an excellent player, who played mainly with Hibs and Mervue.”
Ward’s son, Keith, continues to perform for Hibs in the Galway FA premier division. Jimmy Ward’s tidy displays with OLBC, Hibernians, Furbo, and St Michael’s.
“I never played with Jimmy, I often played against him,” Keating says. “At the time he was playing with Furbo, he had played with Hibs for many years. Keith carries on the tradition, another really outstanding player, who gave many, many years to Hibs. Jimmy was a nice passer of the ball.”
Rafferty shares similar sentiments. “Jimmy had left Hibs when I joined,” Rafferty replies. “I remember playing against him when he was with Furbo. Jimmy was a wonderful character. You could see Jimmy on a sideline anywhere.
“Football was his first love, but he played with St Michael’s too and you would find him on the sidelines. Jimmy would regularly be on the phone wondering about a result. His passing is very, very sad. Keith carries the same footballing passion and skill to this day with Hibs. Another man gone too soon.”
**Listen to the full interviews with Joe Keating and Mike Rafferty about John Tierney and Jimmy Ward RIP on this week’s ‘Cian on Sport’ podcast available on Soundcloud, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts.
