One of the great names from Barrow Rugby League club’s history has died at the age of 86.
Tommy Dawes spent his entire 12-year professional career at Barrow, scoring over 900 points and amassing over 300 appearances.
In a career spanning three decades, Tommy was almost ever-present as Barrow RLFC’s full-back through the 1960s.
After playing, Tommy went on to coach Barrow and was the last man in charge to lift the coveted Lancashire Cup in 1983.
Barrow beat a star-studded Widnes side 12-8 in the final at Wigan’s Central Park.
Tommy was inducted into the Barrow Raiders Hall of Fame in 2016 and was a life member of the club.
A Barrow spokesman said: “In recent years, he has rarely missed a home game and was often seen in the stands, as well as enjoying a cup of tea and a biscuit in the boardroom at half-time.
“Everyone at the club sends their deepest condolences to his wife Jean, his children and all who knew him at this difficult time.”
He had taken up refereeing achieving Grade 1 status before coaching several local teams, Holker Pioneers, Roose, Askam and Lancaster University.
In 1982 Tommy was appointed coach of Whitehaven, and in that season, he guided the west Cumbrians to promotion into Division One.
He was then approached to take the Barrow job when Frank Foster left after ten years in charge.
Within months he had seen his new charges lift the Lancashire Cup against strong favourites Widnes.
He went on to lead his side to the Division Two championship to complete a remarkable double in his first season.
In a very competitive Division One Barrow struggled with no serious strengthening by the board and Tommy was sacked in February 1985.
He coached Carlisle Border Raiders for 18 months before returning to south Cumbria and helping clubs in the area.
Leading tributes the current Barrow coach Paul Crarey said: “Tommy achieved great success and always had time to offer advice, and was very supportive of what we are doing at the club.
“He always sat behind the coaching staff at the back of the stand, and was a true gentleman.”
