To all Thistles Members,
In 2015 a rather underage over 60 was introduced to Thistles hockey and I could not believe how much fun it was. Since then, with the exception of 2020 (Covid), I've been involved with Thistles in festivals and international events every year. My enthusiasm has not faded though maybe memory has as I am still as fast and capable as I always was.
In 2017 I met Mike McInally and I must have impressed because at Lille as well as him failing, with his infamous tackle, to break my leg he invited me to join a quiet discussion with a few other stalwarts about how to progress what was to become Thistles. I've been part of the organisation ever since and also been on tour with Mike every year until his illness in 2024. So I am very proud to continue the path as President - I just wish Mike were here to pass the baton.
Respect is a strange beast. With our numbers we cannot pretend to compete with the nations ten times our size. But Thistles punches above its weight whether via the inclusiveness, the remember: "youse are here tae enjoy yerselves... and ye'd still better play better in the second half..." rejoinders, or the can-do-will-do attitude, or even just the wig-wig-wig-wig waggle of our kilts. Whatever it is we get respect at club and at an international level that is priceless.
I'll keep this short and sweet (like my wife) - oh some of you are in for a shock at my sense of humour. But, and it's a big but (unlike my wife) I'll not forget how it felt playing in 2015 and I want every one of the Men and Ladies to have that same sense of the pleasure of being Thistles.
Ian McCreath
President, Scottish Thistles Masters Hockey Club