The Irish cycling community, especially the Ulster scene, is mourning the loss of Jimmy Watson after his sudden passing at home on Monday.
Jimmy hailed from a well known cycling family in Belfast
and was instrumental in founding VC Glendale, one of the most active clubs on
the Ulster scene.
Part of his passion for cycling, which he took up as
teenager, was his passing on the love of the sport to his five sons Jim, Colm,
Christopher, Lawrence and Toby.
Obviously Toby is well known to us here on stickybottle
as he is part our team and his photos have enhanced our coverage of the sport
at home, and the Irish team competing abroad, for many years.
We’d like to extend our sympathies to Toby and of course to all of the Watson family on Jimmy’s sudden passing, especially wife Rosina and daughters Fiona and Sharon.
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Jimmy began racing in the 1950s with St Gabriel’s Cycling Club but also enjoyed youth hosteling, which was so popular across the country with young cyclists at the time.
When St Gabriel’s became Phoenix CC, Jimmy remained on
and raced in the colours of that great Belfast club.
As the 1970s turned to the 80s Jimmy was centrally involved in establishing VC Glendale and his passion for the sport and for the club remained a big part of his life in the four decades since then.
In a statement Cycling Ulster said everyone had been “shocked
and saddened” to learn of Jimmy’s passing.
“Jimmy will also be remembered for his razor sharp wit
and sense of humour and his death is a huge loss to cycling in this country. He
will be missed,” Cycling Ulster said.
VC Glendale said Jimmy had instilled his passion for cycling in the club since 1981 and it was “with deep regret and a heavy heart” that it broke the news of his passing.
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“Jimmy was Mr Glendale and will always be remembered for
his dedication to the club. He never missed anything the club organised and was
always first to help out in any way he could,” VC Glendale said.
“This included standing in a cold pit stop in a ‘cross
race or helping to organise or volunteer at the numerous events the club are
involved in. Jimmy was loved and respected by all members young or old, past
and present.”
Phoenix CC also paid tribute to him, with a close friend
from Phoenix Eamon Burns recalling their early years in the sport together
along with Tommy McKee.
“Jimmy started cycling in the mid 50s and joined St
Gabriel’s CC, which was mainly based in Ardoyne,” Eamon recalled.
“He started racing around 1956/57 and enjoyed taking part
in many races including the tough Route de Chill Mhantain, the forerunner to
the now-famous Shay Elliot memorial race.
“Jimmy went on to break the
hour for 25 miles in 1958 and set up a new club record. He also enjoyed youth
hostelling in the winter and spent many weekends in the Mourne Mountains.”
Phoenix CC said though Jimmy had not been a member of the
club since helping found VC Glendale, he remained great friends with everyone
from their club.
“He always supported Phoenix
club races and could be seen holding the chequered flag at the finish line. Jimmy
had many lifelong friends in Phoenix CC,” the club said.
“He will be sadly missed by
both old and new members of the club. Phoenix would like to pass on our sincere
condolences to the entire Watson family and all members of VC Glendale.”
Jimmy will be laid to rest this Friday, June 19th, and though the funeral service must be private due to Covid19 there will be a gathering at the family home at 2 Ladybrook Drive at 11am.
The Watsons are inviting friends and family to gather in the street for a small service in the front garden on Friday morning, with social distancing.
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