Tributes have been paid to Ravenscraig union leader Tommy Brennan following his death this week.
Tommy was widely known for being the convenor of shop stewards at Ravenscraig steelworks and leader of the fight to try to save the Scottish steel industry in the 1980s and 90s.
Following the plant’s closure, Tommy became a Trustee of the Scottish Steelworkers Memorial Fund and an official of steelworkers’ Community Union.
Motherwell and Wishaw MSP, Clare Adamson, said: “Tommy was an inspiration and a dedicated trade unionist.
“It was a privilege to get to know him during the independence campaign in 2014.
“I was delighted to welcome Tommy, Terry Currie and members of the Steelworkers’ Memorial Campaign to the Member’s Debate on the Steelworkers’ Memorial Fund in 2012 and to attend the unveiling of Andy Scott’s wonderful sculpture at Ravenscraig.
“The Steelman serves as a reminder of Tommy’s service and that of Lanarkshire Steelworkers.
“I was honoured to march alongside him in 2016 to save the steel mill at Dalzell.
“He showed his lifelong dedication to protecting and promoting the interests of workers. His commitment and passion will be sorely missed.
“He loved his family, his community and his country and I am sending my deepest condolences to his loves ones at this difficult time. Thank you for everything Tommy.”
Away from his union activities, Tommy was also a regular on the Burns Supper circuit and was a committee member at Shotts Bon Accord.
The club announced his death on Friday with glowing tributes from across the game.
Shotts committee member Willie Quilter said: “It’s very sad. Tommy was a great supporter who helped us get back into junior football in the mid 90s.
“His son David had played for the club and then he came onto the committee and was also a Central Region life member.
“He hadn’t been well but it has still came as a shock. The number of messages we have received from various clubs and supporters has been incredible.”
A number of clubs held a minute’s silence on Saturday as a mark of respect
One of them, Petershill FC, posted: “Very sad to hear of the passing of Tommy Brennan.
“Not only was he a stalwart at Shotts Bon Accord for many years, but he was also a proud trade unionist and back in the day was at the forefront of the fight to save Ravenscraig and the steel industry in Scotland.”
Billy Barbour posted: “Very sad to learn of the passing of Tommy Brennan of Shotts Bon Accord.
“He was a superb human being and was a stalwart for Shotts committee and an excellent trade union official.
“I wish his family, friends and his club my condolences. He was a decent genuine junior man.”
And Felix McKenna added: “Very sad news. Known Tommy since his days at Ravenscraig, a fantastic man and a valuable asset to Junior football administration.
“He was very much respected, Sincere condolences to Tommy’s family and to all at Shotts for your loss.
“May he rest in peace.”
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