Tommy Campbell at the first Junior Tour in 1978

It comes as sad news about the death of Tommy Campbell, a long-time personal friend and leading figure who has been involved in all aspects of cycling going back nearly sixty years.

I first met Tommy in the early seventies when I started cycling. He was heavily involved in the sport. I think he was secretary of the Irish Cycling Federation at the time. I was racing and Tommy was always around helping with the sport, doing whatever job was necessary, lead car, steward, sign-on, whatever was needed. I always remember him as a friendly face, a pleasure to meet. That was my first impression and over the last 50 years or more he was always that friendly face you'd be happy to meet.

Over those decades, Tommy played many roles in the administration of the sport. He's probably best remembered by most as a race commissaire, which he did for a very long time.

Tommy was from Bray, and he was a very proud Bray Wheeler, who had been with the club during its great years with Shay Elliott, Peter Crinion, Peter Doyle and many more stars, but there's much more to Tommy than people might see, and I recently read a lovely tribute to Tommy on his Bray Wheelers club website (read here) outlining the vast input Tommy gave to cycling over the years.

To Tommy’s family and friends, I would extend my deepest sympathies.

Rest in Peace Tommy

--------------------------------------------

Tommy as most people knew him as a race commissaire

DEATH NOTICE

The death has occurred of

Tommie CAMPBELL
Bray, Wicklow

The passing has occurred of Tommie Campbell of Bray, Co. Wicklow, peacefully, on August 10th 2026, under the exceptional care of Ryevale Nursing Home, Leixlip.

Beloved father to his heartbroken daughters, Barbara and Aishling and son David, deeply missed by his sons-in-law Brian and Barry and daughter-in-law Risa. His adored grandchildren Mae, Isaac, Eliza, Juliet, Hannah and Yuhga will miss their loving, fun supporter and greatest advocate, as will Posie, his favourite furry friend!

Tommie will be greatly missed by his extended family, friends, cycling community and all who knew him. He will repose in his home on Friday (Aug.14) from 4 pm to 6 pm. Removal to St. Peter's Church, Little Bray on Saturday morning (Aug.15) arriving for Funeral Mass at 10am, followed by Committal Service in the Victorian Chapel at Mount Jerome Crematorium at 12.15pm.

Tommy had a long association with the Junior Tour of Ireland being with it from the start and pictured here with the Dutch team in 2006