The Late Bertie Donohoe In the near 100 years history of the Connacht Tribune Newspaper, it's doubtful if any sports journalist had a greater command of his subject or offered more incisive commentary as the late, lamented Bertie Donohoe. His love of sport- all sport - but notably rugby and hurling shone like a beacon in over sixty years of dedicated writing for the Tribune. Even into his eighties, Bertie could mix it with the best. The one thing that never deserted him through the passage of time was his memory. His recall of matches, dates and controversies was astounding. We'd offer opinion; he'd counter with fact. That was never more evident than when he was an invaluable member of the panel charged with the onerous task of selecting the Galway Hurling and Football Teams of the Century just two years ago. Bertie was also a sportsman of some renown himself. He lined out for Connacht- mostly in the front row - for six seasons between 1939 and '44. In his first outing for the province, Connacht toppled the might of Munster. In 1937, he was a key member of the Loughrea team which clashed with UCG in the Connacht Cup final. It was an occasion marred by controversy as the College romped to a 31-3 victory. A car carrying several of the Loughrea players to the Sportsground broke down, resulting in the match starting (unbelievably) with Bertie's team unable to field a full complement of players. In the interim, Joe Duggan - father of footballing hero, Jimmy - ran riot. Loughrea were sore for years at their treatment. Eleven seasons later, however, Bertie finally got his hands on a cherished Senior Cup medal when Ballinasloe - among his team mates were Sean Dillion and Jack Begley overcame College in the final. Among Bertie's playing contemporaries were likes of former Education Minister, Donogh O'Malley, Paddy Kilkelly, Josie Ownes, Brendan Glynn and Amby Roche. He mixed with exalted company. Hurling was also close to his heart. He revered those legendary wielders of the ash such as Joe Salmon, Paddy Gantley, John Connolly and Josie Gallagher. Galway's emotional All-Ireland triumph in 1980, prehaps, touched his heart more than any other single sporting event. Of course, the JBD World Of Sport column was legendary in provincial journalism. Nothing was scared, no official too powerful or sport too elite to escape the wrath of Bertie's cutting pen. He called a spade a spade. We will miss him; the jaundiced wit and sarcasm; the sporting ecumenism; the store of knowledge. In a provincial journalism context, we will not see his like again....for quite simply, Bertie Donohoe is irreplaceable. Courtesy of the Connacht Tribune December 2002 Tweet

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