ATHLETICS has lost one of its coaching heroes with the passing of William (Bill) Logan of Thomondgate.
Many years ago, he and his wife Nuala formed Limerick Emerald Athletics Club, and his association with the sport stretched back to the 1970s.
“So many aspiring athletes from diverse cultural and economic backgrounds will be eternally grateful that they had the good fortune to cross paths with this largely unsung hero,” commented friend Colm Turner.
“Like every good coach, Will garnered respect through his knowledge acquired over decades of coaching runners that would go on to win titles at national and global level.
“He dedicated his time and efforts to his family and his athletes, and sometimes it would be difficult to determine who was a family member and who was an athlete. When you became an athlete under Will’s tutelage, you were family. And, Nuala played no small part in this endeavour.”
In recollection of training sessions at the likes of the LPYMA Grounds (Ennis Road), Turner said: “Sometimes there might only be two or three there, other times there could be as many as ten athletes, all sparking with nerves in anticipation of the workout which Will would announce just prior to starting.
“These sessions were never easy and usually consisted of intervals such as one kilometre repetitions with many variations depending on what the end goal was.
“He’d stand by, adorned in a cap and glinting spectacles, as the intervals ticked by, speaking words of encouragement to the athletes whizzing past. Every interval would be astutely recorded on his pocket watch. I would wager that there has never been a man more able to read into the character of a person by observing their running form, than Will could.
Colm concluded: “Will was a quiet force of nature, gently guiding from behind the scenes. His influence was immense.”
Aside from athletics, Bill was also associated with Ardnacrusha Pitch and Putt Club.
He was buried in Mount St. Lawrence Cemetery following Requiem Mass at St. Munchin’s Church on Thursday.
