I am obliged to an old schoolmate and member of the 252 BB, Derek Barrowman, for the newspaper cutting.
There were sixty-six tragedies at the Ibrox Disaster – each one a bombshell for the families and friends of the deceased. The number of teenagers and children killed was horrendous. That’s even more tragic – those left behind would never know what would have been achieved – would they have become scientists, doctors, lawyers or take up more prosaic lifestyles?
The Bearsden Boys seem to have gone to the game as an informal group with schoolfriends – they were of almost exactly the same age, attended the same school, played in the same football teams or on the streets together.
Remember the victims. All were under sixty years of age. Sixty-one were under forty – many were children but many too in the full flower of their manhood and of their strength. Anyone at Ibrox that day could have been a victim depending on the circumstances.
Today we are perhaps a little too blasé about stadiums and safety – those improvements have been won at a dreadful price – always try and take a little extra care when you are in a football crowd. That’s the best tribute you can pay the deceased.
Enjoy the game on Tuesday – but set aside a little time to remember the Bearsden Boys and the other victims – each one a tragedy.
