A night at the library with Tommy Boyle

20 October 2011 10:16
Burnley Central Library was, undoubtedly, the perfect venue for last night's lecture on Tommy Boyle, the former Burnley captain of the period either side of World War I.

In February 1922, this Burnley great became the licensee at the Pedestrian Inn, Burnley which was on the corner of Grimshaw Street and Parker Lane. The pub was later demolished to make way for the current library building and as such we sat last night just about above the old pub snug.

The lecture, fully illustrated, came from Mike Smith, the author of the recently published book 'Tommy Boyle - Broken Hero' and we learned of Tommy's career at Barnsley and Burnley (and there was no confusion between the two clubs here) as well as life in Burnley around that time as well as enduring the war years as Tommy, and his team mates, fought for King and country.

The lecture was given in two halves (45 minutes each in time) and we were captivated by the life of the former Burnley captain and great who led our club to both the FA Cup in 1914 and the Football League First Division seven years later.

Hearing the stories of him and seeing him pictured alongside George Halley and Billy Watson brought to life all those stories we've heard of that famous Halley-Boyle-Watson half back line in what was, undoubtedly, one of Burnley's finest teams.

It was an excellent night when we realised that the signing of Tommy Boyle was one occasion when we certainly got one over on Barnsley.

Well done to Mike for a thoroughly enjoyable evening and, for anyone still to read the book, I can fully recommend 'TOMMY BOYLE - BROKEN HERO'.

Alongside the lecture last night was a display of photographs and items from the era that had been put together by Jon Davis. That display will remain in the main library for the next month and it is well worth calling in to take a look.

Source: FOOTYMAD