February 1977 and a Blantyre youth made a surprise comeback to the world of Judo by proving that he was the best in Britain!
Thomas Limerick (19), had almost a year away from training in the sport to complete his studies to become a site engineer, but came back with a bang at start of 1977 to win his section in the Scottish Judo Championships at Meadowbank.
On the first Saturday in February that year he proved that victory was no ‘flash in the pan’ by winning the Under-21, Under-95 kilo section of the British Judo Trials in London.
This practically assured Tom of a place in the British team to meet East Germany in an international tournament later that year. I don’t have further information on this , so would be great to know if he compete internationally?!
Success is nothing new to this former pupil of St. John’s Grammar School, Hamilton. He has been British junior and Welsh light heavyweight champion and was youngest ever Scottish Champion.
On Social Media, the following comments were received on Facebook:
Ann Durie Tommy was in my year and classes at St. John’s — a long time ago
Iain Sanderson I knew Tommy well both at the Old Parish Church and at Hamilton Grammar. To add to his sports Tommy played rugby at Hamilton Grammar – we never argued with him.
Colin Stewart Iain Sanderson, sorry to say he was no footballer
Colin Stewart Tommy was in my class at St. John’s, nice quiet guy. I haven’t seen him since we left school.
Annmarie Limerick Strang Colin Stewart he has been in Sweden for the past 40 years
Annmarie Limerick Strang My big brother.
Laura Burgess Annmarie Limerick Strang My grandad Jimmy Keary’s great nephew.
Tam Lindsay we were in same class at high blantyre primary
Bill Graham Tommy and I were in the same class at High Blantyre primary
Jacqui Mcguigan He’s not changed a bit
Annmarie Limerick Strang Tommy now. He has lived in Sweden for the past 40+ years. he’s had a wonderful life over there. Doing great.
John F Kane Hi Anne Marie – hope Tommy is well . If you are in contact with him please pass Hamilton Judo club and my regards.
Tommy Limmerick
Tommy Limmerick is a British Judo legend judo legend representing GB and Scotland on several occasions. He was sensationally omitted from the British Olympic Team in 1980, and he subsequently left London for Sweden where he became the Swedish Ladies National Coach.
Some notable Judo Achievements
1974 World Under 18 silver medal in Tel Aviv.
British and Scottish Champion several times
Scottish Judo Cup -the Kawamura Trophy
1974 S Brown T Limerick H McGuinness E Kane J Kane J Lynas W Cameron
1975 S Brown T Limerick H McGuinness E Kane J Kane J Lynas J McGranachan
1978 S Brown H Syme T Limerick H McGuinness J Kane E Kane A Cadona

Tommy seen here in Meadowbank with Eric Kane , John Kane ,Sandy Brown of Hamilton Judo Club winning the first of their 10 record breaking Scottish cups.
