Charity match in memory of Cupar Eagles founder
A CHARITY match is being planned in memory of former Cupar Eagles manager Tommy Marshall.
Tommy, who died last December, established the Eagles, a six-a-side football team, in 1999 with close friends John Mullen and Colin Clive.
His idea was to bring together a cross-section of the community, ranging from players who could be considered 'veterans' to youngsters straight from his football academy, from all walks of life, including accountants, social workers, members of the armed forces, chefs, lifeguards and the unemployed, all with the same desire to play for 'The Eagles' as they were popularly known.
Cupar Eagles initially played in the soccer leagues in Glenrothes, prior to being accepted into the St Andrews University Community Soccer League.
The Eagles enjoyed mixed success, but they were always inspired by Tommy's infectious enthusiasm for the game, and all of his players looked forward to the matches with great excitement.
In April 2009, Tommy was diagnosed with mouth cancer and underwent courses of chemotherapy and radiation during his battle to overcome his illness.
Tommy continued to manage his team with great courage, and never complained about the constant pain he was suffering.
With his cancer seemingly in remission, Tommy steered his beloved Eagles to the final of the St Andrews University Summer Cup competition where they were unfortunate to lose on penalties.
Last September, Tommy was dealt a blow with the news that his cancer had returned and would be terminal.
He again faced this with great strength, and once more faced further treatment, all to no avail.
Tommy was admitted to Roxburgh House, where the Macmillan nurses provided him with the care, which allowed his final days to be comfortable and his death on December 9 to be a dignified one.
Tommy was an inspiration to all who met him, and his close friends John Mullen, his team captain and NHS Fife work colleague Brian Robinson have decided to honour his memory with a memorial match. to be played with the kind permission of NHS Fife, Stratheden Hospital and Cupar Colts.
The game will be played between a Cupar Eagles/NHS Select and Bowhill Rovers, one of Fife's top amateur teams, at Stratheden Park, Cupar, on Tuesday, June 29, kick-off 7 p.m.
A collection will be taken for Macmillan Cancer Support and the Cot Death Trust at Yorkhill Hospital, Glasgow.
The match will be sponsored by Keystore, Ladywynd, Cupar and the match official will be ex FIFA and Scottish Premier League referee, John Rowbotham.
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Weather for Kirkcaldy
Thursday 24 May 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: 11 C to 17 C
Wind Speed: 12 mph
Wind direction: East
Tomorrow
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Temperature: 10 C to 16 C
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