Tom’s comeback in the sport of horseshoes

A former champion horseshoe thrower has come out of retirement to step straight back into the limelight – three years after his last competitive game.

Tom McNeill, from Bushside, near Armoy, enjoyed much success with his brothers, Hughie and Billy, some years ago, but hung up his shoes when interest in the sport waned.

Within the last week or two however, Tom has rekindled his interest and in his comeback games reached the semi-finals of a competition at Windyhall followed by a final appearance at The Scenic Inn the following day.

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On his way to the final he took the scalp of Peter McLaughlin who, as everyone knows in the game, is one of the best and was showing excellent form until he came up against Tom.

His opponent in the final was the competition favourite, Willie Culbertson, who may have had an easier passage to the final, but he still showed his credentials throughout.

And it was the same in the final when he pipped Tom in a three-game thriller to pick up a cash prize.

The competition, run jointly by The Scenic Inn and Armoy Rugby club, again proved a success with some of the area’s best throwers taking part including the most successful player this season, Paddy McCloskey.

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The Scenic management offered free burgers and sausages for the duration of the competition and the tasty treats were soon snapped up by all present.

It is hoped to reschedule the event next year with bumper prize money and more attractions for the public and competitors.

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