Shinty fraternity bid a fond farewell to Iain ‘Tchooky’ Clark

The Oban Camanachd Club and the shinty world in general were deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Iain ‘Tchooky’ Clark at the age of 73.

Iain, who had been unwell for some time, passed away quietly in hospital on Sunday February 13, 2022.

Iain belonged to a long-established and well-known Oban shinty family - his father Donald and uncle Iain winning Scottish Cup medals with Oban Celtic in 1937. But it was with Oban Camanachd that Tchooky made his name from the late 1960s and throughout the 1970s - although in the latter part of his career, having moved away from the town, he played briefly for Glasgow Mid Argyll.

During his playing days with Oban Camanachd, Iain formed a formidable full back partnership with Ian Donn, although being slim of build and fleet of foot he was equally comfortable in the North system of playing only one full back where pace and the ability to read the game are essential.

Iain was a member of the Oban Camanachd teams which won the Torlundy Cup four times in succession in the early 1970s. The Torlundy Cup was at one time a major competition which was structured so as to ensure that a South and North team met in the final.

On his return to Oban Tchooky had a successful period in charge of Lochside Rovers, Oban Camanachd’s reserve team, where he was held in high regard by the players in his charge.

Iain will be remembered with great affection by many, especially his shinty team mates and the lifelong friends he made from his school days at Rockfield and Oban High Schools, several having visited him on a regular basis when he was in hospital.

Iain’s funeral took place on Friday February 25, at Oban Old Parish Church, Glencruitten Road at 12.30pm. Oban Camanachd Club members wore club ties.