All at Gateshead Harriers and in the North East athletic community are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of one of our greatest regional Unsung Heroes, Bill McGuirk. Our deepest sympathies go to his devoted wife Pauline and his sons and grandchildren.
Billy has been an ever present in our tightly knit North East Athletics Community for as long as anyone can remember and his presence will be keenly missed. Like many of his generation and, indeed our local athletic administrators and officials , he gave of his time and energy selflessly without gift or favour.
Man and boy Billy championed our sport as a; talented competitor, learned coach, able administrator, dedicated official, team manager and sports journalist.
Those of a certain age eagerly scanned the grass roots section of the Evening Chronicle and Athletics Weekly to see if the guru of local athletics had recognised our weekend athletic endeavours, be it as parent, athlete or coach. In the days before the internet and self promotion it was Bill who championed our sport through his scholarly knowledge of every aspect of the athletic disciplines both regionally and nationally.
Billy continued to work tirelessly in supporting our sport well into his retirement with his encouraging blogs and detailed reports posted locally. He took an avid interest in every club and had an encouraging word for athletes of every ability. Together with other like-minded officials he successfully helped foster a real collegiate spirit in the region through North East team events, regional championships and many promotional events.
He revelled in the achievements of our regional athletes and coaches and he took enormous pride when our grassroot athletes rose through the ranks to compete at the highest levels. He was perhaps at his happiest standing in muddy fields cheering on those hearty cross country folk and revelling in the achievements of the North East teams’ victories at the Inter County championships or nationals.
A wise and deeply spiritual man, Billy was a confidant and loyal friend to so many of us. With Pauline and his family at his side, he bore his illness with great dignity and stoicism. His legacy will live long in the memory of the wider athletics community and his encouraging words; “Run fast, throw far and jump high and long” will continue to inspire us all.
Rest in Peace
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