A look back with Alex O’Henley

One of the benefits of social media is the regular resurfacing of old team photographs from years gone by which bring back memories of contemporaries as well as those who are sadly no longer with us. A recent flurry of these on Facebook reminded me of a precious photograph one of my former Southend managers, George MacKay, posted on that platform a few years ago. It dated back to the late 1950s or early 60s and featured some well known South Uist personalities.

The image that jumped out at me and the reason why this picture is so priceless to me is that of my late uncle, Donald Angus Walker, (Dòmhnall Angus Aonghais ‘Ill Easbuig) from Daliburgh, second from the left in the back row. He was the one that introduced me to football as a young child when he came down from the loft one day carrying one of those old brown, heavy footballs with the yellow lace through it along with a pair of the ankle high boots they used to wear in that era.

Tall, athletic and strong as an ox he had the perfect physique for a defender. As youngsters me and my younger brother would look forward to his visits at the end of the working week when the kitchen would be cleared and he would demonstrate the art of defending. The most important thing was never to let your opponent get past you to the byline and only go to ground to make a tackle if you absolutely had to; and of course, there was only one team we could play for.

Unfortunately, like a few others in that photograph he was taken from us far too soon on a New Year’s morning, just like the first Southend manager I played for Dòmhnall Ruairidh Steele, (Dòmhnall Ruairidh Dhòmhnaill Ruairidh Bhig) pictured here with the ball in his hands. His brothers Iain and Ruairidh, father of Donald Steele and grandfather of Paul, the new leader of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar are at either side of the front row.

For some reason Dòmhnall Ruairidh always reminded me of Jock Stein. There’s a bit of a physical resemblance and like Stein he was always immaculately dressed in his suit, collar and tie for every match. For any youngster making their debut for their local team is always a special moment and it was no different for me, more so as Dòmhnall Ruairidh made a point of picking me up from our house to take me to and from the game. It was his way of saying ‘I want you to be a part of my team,’ and it certainly gave me the confidence that I could play with and against grown men at a young age.
To DR’s right is one of the greatest players to come out of Uist, Norman MacKay (Tormod Aonghais Ruaidh.) Some years ago when I wrote a biography of the former Celtic great, Malky MacDonald, Ruairidh MacPherson (Ruairidh Chaluim Ruaidh father of John ‘Percy’ MacPherson) from Lochboisdale told me that Malky wanted to take him and Norman to Kilmarnock during his first stint as manager there. Unfortunately, Ruairidh – a classy midfielder himself succumbed to TB while in school in Inverness – and without his neighbour and friend, Norman let the opportunity pass. Those who remember him including Ruairidh remain convinced Norman would have made it as a professional had he taken up Malky’s offer and followed him to Rugby Park.

Other faces that will be familiar to many in this photograph include George MacKinnon (Seòras Mòr Dhòmhnaill Aonghais Chailein), far left at the back beside my uncle, and at the other end of the back row, DJ Peteranna. From left to right the team are as follows – George MacKinnon, Donald Angus Walker, Neillie Johnstone, John MacIntyre (Seonaidh Alasdair ‘ill Easbuig, Kilphedar), Ronald MacPhee (mac Raghnaill an t-Saoir, Garryhallie), DJ Peteranna. Front row – Iain Steele, Norman MacKay, DR Steele, Noel O’Donnell (married Mary Flora Morrison, West Kilbride) and Roddy Steele. Never forgotten, their memory lives on.

Thanks to George MacKay for sending in the old photo – it might be very blurred, but will still raise a fond smile with many of our readers.