By Jean DePlacido
Could there be a more perfect day for Robert "Bo" Tierney to receive a special award from the Massachusetts Secondary Schools Athletic Directors Association than getting the prestigious honor on St. Patrick's Day?
"If they want me to speak for two minutes, I can do that. Or if they want me to talk for 10 minutes, that's not a problem either because I'm Irish," said Tierney, who was the athletic director at Bishop Fenwick High School in Peabody for 10 years (1999-2009).
"Last fall I found out Mickey Sullivan (the Lowell Catholic AD) had nominated me for an award, and I was shocked. But I never thought I'd actually be honored. The state is divided into districts, and I was an AD for District 8.
"In late January when I got the letter from Dick Baker, the Public Relations Director for MSSADA, saying I had been chosen for the award I was floored — and thrilled — at the same time."
The annual conference for Massachuetts high school athletic directors is held at the Resort and Conference Center in Hyannis the first week of the spring sports season.
Tierney is one of four ADs from across the state who will receive the President's Award of Merit tomorrow. He plans to spend a couple of days in Hyannis to see old friends, and will have his brother, Dick, and long-time friend and former assistant AD Kevin McCarthy on hand with him.
"I was athletic director for 10 years, and before that served as (former Crusaders' AD) Jim McHugh's assistant for 20 years," said Tierney. "Jim made me feel that I was a big part of all the AD's duties, and I was very fortunate to be able to handle them. I always tried to make Kevin feel the same way when he assisted me.
"I'm very loyal to the athletic directors; it's a close brotherhood and sisterhood. Catholic schools or public schools; it didn't make any difference. We all helped each other out, and that great rapport is something I'll never forget.
"I'm going to thank my family and my brother's family as well as the people loyal to me at Bishop Fenwick," Tierney added. "I just wish my parents were still alive to see this because they would have loved it. This is a very nice award — and I'm humbled to get it."
Sullivan has known Tierney for many years, and for the last seven years that Lowell Catholic has been in the Catholic Central League they had worked closely together. Sullivan, who is a member of the executive committee, said he nominated Tierney because he couldn't think of anyone more deserving.
"Bo was always very loyal to his school and always voted for the good of Bishop Fenwick, but at the same time he was honest and fair in every situation," said Sullivan. "He took a very thoughtful approach to things, and was interested in what was good for other schools and students, too.
"He was always a leader, and as far as I'm concerned Bo is what this award is all about. Usually it's not a slam dunk, but all I had to say was 'Bo Tierney,' and he was approved right away. The time he gave to Bishop Fenwick is unheard of in modern education."
Enjoying new hockey role
Last spring, Tierney was told by Fenwick school officials that his services as both AD and the school's long-time hockey coach would end in June. He was stunned to learn he would no longer be coaching or working in the athletic department of a place he had been since he got out of college.
Tierney did, however, want to stay involved in hockey, and found the perfect opportunity as an assistant coach at Peabody High under head coach Mark Leonard. Tierney was already at the same rink — McVann-O'Keefe, home of both the Crusaders and Tanners — but switched colors to Tanner blue this winter.
"He's such a great guy and had fun with us," said Leonard, who took his Northeastern Conference Large champions to their first-ever Division 2 North final this winter. "Bo is so knowledgeable, and he scouted every team we played. He was able to pick out something we could use every time because he's great at spotting things on the other team's power play, breakouts or man-down situations. He reported back to me things that we used to help us win.
"He's more than welcome back next year; I tell him all the time how good he looks in Tanner blue. I'm sure the idea of being a head coach again is still burning inside, and I wish him the best if he decides to leave us to take a head job. Any team would be lucky to land him, but I'll keep him as long as he wants to stay.
"This was a very special year for us," said Leonard, "and Bo helped make it possible."
Sullivan wasn't surprised that Tierney had a positive impact on the Tanners this winter.
"He's so humble, and through this entire very difficult situation at the school he has been a class act, which doesn't surprise me because in all the time I've known him that's the way he has always been," said Sullivan.
As far as Tierney is concerned, he won't rule out a head coaching job — but enjoys his situation in Peabody, too.
"I can't close any door right now," said Tierney, "but I expect to be back with Peabody for as long as (AD) Phil Sheridan and Mark want me there. Phil, Mark and the other assistant coaches treated me with so much respect, and the kids were wonderful. I had my role and did my thing behind the scenes. I wanted to stay involved, and it was the perfect opportunity. Kids are kids wherever you go, and everybody couldn't have been nicer to me.
"This has been an unusual year to be sure, but I am really looking forward to getting away (to Hyannis) for a couple of days and to the award itself. I am truly humbled by it."
