Oliver Gough R.I.P.

AUGUST 22, 1935 - APRIL 22, 2020 BY P.J. DALY

TUESDAY, APRIL 22, 2020, was a sad day, when the news filtered through that the great Oliver Gough had passed to his eternal reward.

Even though he had been in failing health for some time, his passing nevertheless came as a great shock.

He had been a great friend of mine for well over 60 years. His death left a great sadness for me personally.

We first met, when both of us were playing hurling for the Wexford Minor team in 1953. Even at that time, I marvelled at the skill he showed then as an 18-year-old.

I once had to play on him in a county Minor trial, and it was like having been in a tumble dryer, after about half an hour.

As a hurler, he had few equals. He had great skill, great balance, and a brilliant attitude.

He was an efficient scoring machine from his half-forward position. His ability to get the best out of every ball that came in his direction was praiseworthy.

He won unlimited praise for his wholehearted and never-say-die approach.

He always displayed a surplus of confidence and, with his platform of speed, his enthusiasm and his eagerness, turned out to be a big problem for most of the defenders who had the pleasure to be marking this great player.

They also had to curtail his rampant surges towards their goals. He only took up playing golf in his early 30s, and after a few months playing, he could hold his own with any player in Ireland.

He is gone now, but he will never be forgotten and will be truly missed by so many friends and admirers who saw him play. And of course, his loving wife Liz.

Rest in peace, Oliver, my good friend.