Legends - Tommy Lynch
The eighth legend to be inducted into the Hall of Fame is Tommy Lynch. Tommy was signed by Asa Harford and went on to win himself a place in the heart of many Town fans for his determined and dedicated performances.
Tommy Lynch
The genuine excitement in Tommy Lynch's voice when I contacted him to tell him to keep the first week of October open as he had been voted into the Hall of Fame helped make all the hard work worthwhile. He admitted to be gob-smacked and went on to say "I must have made some sort of impression on those people in Shrewsbury during my six years at the Club."
That is probably the point as there are others who have made more appearances and been involved in more success but Tommy always gave every last ounce. Even in disappointing seasons he was a crowd pleaser. Moments like the game with Stoke in the relegation season of 1991-92 when the Potters striker dropped the nut on Tommy in front of the Station End stand. Tommy shook his head to clear it and then watched as Ellis was red carded whilst on a stretcher leaving the field. He was taken to hospital and diagnosed with a fractured skull but Tommy played on to help us win 1-0.
Sunderland signed Tommy from his native Limerick in August 1988 but he managed just four games for the Roker Park outfit before Asa Hartford made him one of his first signings in January 1990.
His debut came against Reading in a 1-1 draw as he replaced Steve Pittman who had flown to America to join their national squad. He went on to make 234 appearances scoring on 14 occasions and was a crowd favourite on the pitch and a bit of a star off it as well. His last appearance came in the final game of the 1995-96 season at Burnley but his biggest disappointment came when he was left out of the Wembley final.
Tommy had been injured for four months but returned for the Semi Final success and was convinced he would start in the Final. Fred Davies admitted afterwards he picked the wrong team as Steve Anthrobus and Paul Evans also missed out "Evo" completely. Tommy demanded that I interviewed him in the tunnel by the dressing room after the game. It was a very strong piece dripping in emotion and if it had ever been played it is doubtful Tommy would have played again. Something that he said he would not do anyway in the piece.
After leaving Town Tommy returned to Ireland and managed Waterford to promotion and had successful spells at Limerick. He has for the last dozen years worked with disadvantaged kids on sport and also life skills and is a locum in hostels in a very challenging area of Limerick. He is married to Christine who is a lady not to be crossed and they have two great kids Molly who is 15 and Jack 13.