Northern Ireland Tug of War Association Welcomes Two New Hall of Fame Inductees
Date: March 15, 2024
The Northern Ireland Tug of War Association (NITOWA) celebrated a significant moment in its history on the 15th of March as it welcomed two distinguished individuals into its prestigious Hall of Fame. An awards ceremony and dinner held at the Dunadry Hotel honoured the remarkable contributions of Hugh McFetridge and Cathal McKeever, recognising their outstanding achievements and dedication to the sport over several decades.
Hugh McFetridge: A Lifetime of Commitment to Tug of War
Hugh McFetridge, a stalwart of the tug of war community, was the first to be honored on this memorable evening. His journey in the sport began in 1965 at the youthful age of 16, pulling for a junior Aghadowey team under the guidance of coach Joe Barr. McFetridge’s talent and determination saw him progress through various teams, including the Three Oaks and Garvagh, where he notably secured a silver medal at the European 640 kg Championships in Fermoy in 1969.
McFetridge’s participation extended to international arenas, with appearances in South Africa and Jersey in 1977, demonstrating his prowess on a global stage. Following his illustrious pulling career, McFetridge transitioned into officiating, becoming a TWIF (Tug of War International Federation) judge in 1992. His judging roles took him across the world, overseeing championships in countries such as the United States, England, Netherlands, and Spain.
Beyond judging, McFetridge held significant positions within TWIF, serving as Vice Chairman and later Chairman of NITOWA, TWIF representative, and Judge Instructor at TWIF level. His tireless dedication and leadership were acknowledged as he was welcomed into the Hall of Fame with great admiration and respect.
Cathal McKeever: A Pioneer and Leader in Tug of War
The spotlight then turned to Cathal McKeever, whose remarkable journey in tug of war spanned over several decades. McKeever’s association with the sport began in the 1940s, accompanying his father and uncle, who pulled for Kilmore. His active involvement commenced in the mid-1950s with the Ballyhegan team, where he quickly established himself as a formidable competitor.
McKeever’s commitment to tug of war saw him participate in numerous international championships, from Fermoy to Crystal Palace, Japan and China, demonstrating his skill and dedication to the sport all around the world. However, McKeever’s contributions extended far beyond the pulling arena. He played pivotal roles in various capacities within NITOWA and TWIF, including Vice Chairman, Chairman, and TWIF Chairman of the Technical Commission and President of TWIF.
McKeever’s leadership was further evidenced by his involvement in organising events, promoting tug of war in schools, and representing the sport on the global stage. His enduring legacy was celebrated as he was honoured with induction into the Hall of Fame, a testament to his invaluable contributions to tug of war both locally and internationally.
As the ceremony concluded, attendees reflected on the extraordinary journeys of Hugh McFetridge and Cathal McKeever, acknowledging their profound impact on the sport of tug of war. Their legacies will continue to inspire generations of tug of war enthusiasts for years to come.
NITOWA 