TRIBUTES have been paid to a Tartan Army member who has died after collapsing outside a pub in Boston, with his family now fundraising to bring him home to Glasgow.
Thomas “Tam” Murty, 62, from Glasgow, fell ill outside The Dubliner Irish Pub in Boston on Thursday June 18, and passed away the following morning.
Earlier this month he had travelled to the US to join the Tartan Army and see Scotland play at a World Cup for the first time in nearly 30 years, fulfilling what loved ones described as his “life-long dream”.
The news comes after another Tartan Army member, Donny Strathie, passed away at the age of 76 on Sunday, June 14.
The fund for Tam has raised £11,105 raised of the target £16,000 at the time of writing.
In a tribute on GoFundMe, his son Gavin Murty wrote: “Thomas Murty had his heart set on seeing Scotland reach a World Cup again. This summer, he finally got his moment. He packed his bags, pulled on the navy blue, and flew to Boston to join the Tartan Army, thousands of Scots roaring their country on at the biggest tournament in the world.”
He added: “Tam was Scotland daft his whole life. He lived for it — the highs, the heartbreaks, the songs, the hope that never died no matter how many years went by. Following Scotland wasn’t just something he did; it was who he was. To finally see his country at a World Cup, after almost three decades of waiting, was the dream of a lifetime.
“He got to live that dream. Surrounded by his fellow fans, in full voice, with the saltire flying — Tam was exactly where he wanted to be.
“On Thursday 18th June, Thomas collapsed outside The Dubliner Pub in Boston. He passed away the next morning, thousands of miles from home, doing the very thing he’d dreamed of for nearly 30 years.
“Our family is heartbroken. And now we’re facing something no family is ever ready for — bringing Tam home from another country, laying him to rest the way he deserves, and finding our feet without him.
“That’s why we’re asking for help. Every single pound will go towards bringing Thomas home from the United States, giving him the funeral he deserves, and supporting the family he leaves behind.”
Friends, fellow supporters and strangers have also posted messages of condolence online, with one saying: “So sorry for your loss. Take care of yourself and your family,” while an American wrote: “I’m so sorry this happened. I’m happy he came and was able to see our city and spend time with the Tartan Army to celebrate.”
