Professor Tom Reilly
12 June 2009
It is with the deepest sadness that we announce the death of Tom Reilly.
Tim Cable, Director of Sports Science writes:
Tom was unique.
He was a very private man who was universally respected and admired by all. He was a deeply compassionate and loyal man, profoundly interested in the development of others before himself. His intellectual powers knew no boundaries, providing deep insights into the worlds of philosophy, literature and the use of English language. But, outside his family, his passions were science (particularly kinanthropometry - on which he completed writing a textbook in the last week!), Everton, Everton, Football in general (many codes but mainly the round ball shape) and Ireland. He was a voracious reader and writer and his motivation and dedication to acquire and disseminate knowledge appeared endless.
He applied his bountiful energy in the realm of academic leadership, both within and outside this institution. He was the first ever Professor of Sports Science in the UK, and helped forge the rich heritage of sport and exercise scientific study at Liverpool Polytechnic, LJMU and beyond. As his reputation of excellence grew, his influence extended nationally and internationally, leading many initiatives and effecting change in policy and practice in many esteemed organisations. Perhaps the most profound legacy has been his mentoring of staff and postgraduate students (his self-titled “Liverpool Mafia”) that now exert significant ripples of influence across all walks of society, but particularly within HE. In this way, over the years, he has been responsible for germinating the seeds of our young discipline.
But despite these powerful academic credentials, Tom will remain in my mind as a very warm, intensely caring and very humorous individual, whose eye always had a twinkle.
Our thoughts will be with his wife Jill and his daughters, Anna and Siobhan.
