xNovember 2015 y

Dear Old Boys

Our Pre-Christmas meeting will be held at ‘The Public Service Club’, Level 1 Function Room, 84 William Street (cnr Stephens Lane) on Friday 20 November from 12 noon through until about 2pm; but feel free to drop in anytime from 11am on, as your commitments dictate and join Old Boy mates in convivial fellowship. There is much to discuss – the Spring Racing Carnival, the Rugby World Cup and the Cowboys NRL Premiership win.For Old Boys coming by train to the Central Railway Station, there is a free City Loop bus from Stop 8 opposite Central Station in Ann Street that allows you to alight at Stop 103 in the Government Precinct, just outside ‘The Public Service Club’ at 84 William Street. The bus services on this route are every 10-15 minutes.

As the 2015 Calendar year draws to a close, Old Boys wish to pay a special tribute to TBOBA President, Joe Guerrini and his Executive James Dixon, Don Stephen, Matthew Booth, Paul Canning, Greg Manthey, Greg Butler and Tom Vonhoff who have so tirelessly committed considerable time fundraising for the redemption of our Loan on the Clive Berghofer Sports Complex.

Our Special Thanks are extended to Brian Albion (1954-1960) Ipswich, John Boundy (1972/1973) Oakey, ( RJ (Bob) Edwards (1949-1958) , Graham Gordon (1955/1956) Wyreema, Gene Green (1953-1958) Toowoomba, Des Kelly (1946) Denistone (NSW), Kevin Leadbetter (1945-1951) Moffatt Beach, Michael Lincoln (1964-1966) Pialba, Joe O’Neill (1966-1974) Beaumaris (Vic) and Glen Wiedman (1950-1959) Bundaberg, for taking up Life Memberships recently. Bryan McSweeney has been busy inputting data from Old Boys as they determine whether to receive future Newsletters by Post, as normal, or by Email. The alternate systems had a significant trial with the September issue. If you did not receive that copy, please contact either Bryan (3278 9682) or Dan (3345 4404).The College Deputy Principal, Kort Goodman , is updating the Honour Boards in the TP O’Brien Hall and is seeking information on Old Boys who are/or have been in the Services – Can Ex or Current Servicemen please contact him. The email address is: [email protected] or phone (07) 4631 7333. Old Boys congratulate Kort Goodman on his appointment as Principal of Assumption College, Warwick, from 2016 following the retirement of Peter Moloney who has had this role since 2004.Our first Brisbane Sub-Branch Meeting in 2016 will be held on Friday 11 March.

On Thursday 22nd October 2015 the St Mary's Old Boys Association (SMOBA) made the final loan repayment to Mr Clive Berghofer for the Clive Berghofer Arena (CBA). The SMOBA is proud of its achievement in making the final payment, 10 years and 10 months since the original drawdown of $1,010,000 commenced in January 2005. In that time the students of St Mary's College have been able to undertake sporting classes and sporting competitions in a National Standard Indoor Sporting Facility. The SMOBA is also proud that it has during this time provided the CBA to a range of community sporting organisations, contributing to providing the region with high class sporting opportunities.

There are a number of people who require special mention in bringing this project to completion including Mr Paul Canning and Mr Craig Ebneter who together pushed the initial concept to reality and Mr Gary Brady was able to reignite the T P O'Brien Function Centre which provided important revenue which was directed to loan repayments. The SMOBA also wants to thank Mr Dan McErlean for his continued support and advice during this period. It is also important to acknowledge the support of Mr Clive Berghofer who without his generous support and understanding the project would never have been undertaken.The SMOBA is thankful to the St Mary's Parents and Friends Association, which from the commencement of the project provided, substantial financial assistance to the SMOBA as without their support the loan would not have been finalised in October 2015. It is important to also acknowledge the support of St Mary's College which has provided financial support and in kind support to the SMOBA during this period.

The SMOBA has been fortunate during the project to have received many donations from the Old Boys and the Community. Each one of these donations has been directed to debt reduction and without this generous support the loan would still be outstanding. As the loan at the CBA was in its final stages the SMOBA had a loan approved to acquire a strategically important rental property at 8 Helen Street. This rental income from this property will be used in the first instance to repay the loan on the rental property and then in the future provide additional general income to the SMOBA. This property backs onto the end of the car park at the CBA. The SMOBA will now look to establish a sinking fund to provide a reserve for capital improvements to the CBA and continue to watch out for opportunities which may arise to acquire other strategically properties that could be useful for future developments.In the early part of 2016 the SMOBA will host an event to commemorate the final payment being made and to thank all those people who have participated in the completion of the project. Further information will be provided as soon as possible. The final acknowledgment needs to be given to all the Old Boys who have contributed over the decades to the acquisition of property that allowed for the project to occur. This project would not have been accomplished if others before the current committee had not been bold and proactive in acquiring property of strategic importance decades before. In having this foresight a platform and tradition of service was established which the current committee continues today in the provision of the Clive Berghofer Arena.

Bryan McSweeney Dan McErlean Dan Reilly 1 President Secretary Co-Ordinator (07) 3278 9682 (07) 3345 4404 (07) 3395 1813

TBOBA (Brisbane Sub Branch) Meeting – 18/9/15

Present Apologies

Laurie Atzeni (Hon) Barry Kuhnemann Fr Paul Chandler Fred Lincoln John Bagget Doug Lee Fr Tyrone Deere Jim Long Frank Deighton Dick Lynch Frank Adamson Mick Moloney Les Duncan Pat Mullins Nev Card Jim Mullins Brian Gagen Dan McErlean Nat Chandler Bernie Murphy Terry Gesch Peter McMahon Bernie Collins Terry Murphy Barry Gordon Bryan McSweeney John Coyer Rod McDonald Rolly Griffin Martin O’Sullivan Noel Cronin Lee Nightingale John Hagan Graham Swenson Jack Davis (Hon) John Noonan John Hutchinson Glen Wiedman John Drew John O’Neill Allan Duncan Jack Parker Des Franklin Errol Ryan Tim Hagan Kerry Taylor Tom Hutchinson Reg Taylor Trevor Taylor

• 1951/59 Former Classmates including Brother Gary Ferguson (Mulgoa, NSW), Bernie Collins (Maryborough), Ray Cross (Eltham, NSW), Cliff Jones (), Neil O’Connell (Elliott Heads), John Clifford and Kerry Taylor (Brisbane), Maurie Drew (Hope Island) joined Dr Terry Callaghan, Paul Reynolds, Bob Frost and Frank Kennelly (Toowoomba) for a Reunion over 30 and 31 October 2015. The highlight was the Dinner at the Sportsman’s Club on Saturday evening (31 October).

Annual Membership Fee ($10.00) for Calendar Year 2016 is now due / or Life Memberships are available (Fee $100.00) * * * Cheques as donations towards the Building Fund are fully Tax Deductible and will be receipted. Cheques should be made payable to ‘Br. Baptiste O’Sullivan Building Fund ’.

‘Coming Events’

20/11/2015 Brisbane TBOBA Sub-Branch Meeting – 1 st Floor, Function Room, ‘The Public Service 11am – 2pm Club’, 84 William Street (cnr Stephens Lane, Brisbane) 14/11/2015 1950/1959 Class Reunion – Contacts: Pat Costigan (0432 583 498), Justin Lunney (4634 4756), Michael Quinlan (0418 465 159) or Graham Swenson (5561 1753). 4/12/2015 TBOBA Sunshine Coast Meeting at Headland Golf Club on Golf Links Road, Buderim. Noon Contacts: Bernie Murphy (5478 0742), Terry Murphy (5456 4340) or Redmond Byrne (5477 6705) 11/3/2016 Brisbane TBOBA Sub-Branch Meeting – 1 st Floor, Function Room, ‘The Public Service 11am – 2pm Club’, 84 William Street (cnr Stephens Lane), Brisbane

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As November is the month of the ‘Holy Souls’, please While at St Mary’s College he was part of the remember our deceased Old Boys, Christian Brothers 1950/1959 Class Group. After employment in the and Friends of the College. A number have passed transport industry in Toowoomba, he worked in away recently: Rosedale and Bundaberg before taking a permanent position at the QAL Alumina Smelter in Gladstone in • Brian King husband of Suzanne (dec’d), brother of 1973 and worked there until his retirement to Urangan, Ray and Dermott (dec’d), Barry and Margaret . Hervey Bay in 2012. Sadly he passed to Eternal Life on 13/8/2015 at the local St Stephen’s Hospital after being • Kevin Bartholomew (85 years) who passed away on diagnosed with terminal cancer (melanoma).Jim is 6/10/2015. survived by his wife, Pat , five sons and two daughters – Warren, Wayne, John, Shaun, Jenny, Brad • Pat Sullivan (85 years) and brother of Mary Mallet and Kelly. and the late Bill Sullivan . • Fr Anthony Herbert O’Brien • Stephen Lacey (48 years) died suddenly on MSC was born on 16 May 1933 to 20/8/2015, son of Les (RIP) and Shirley (Bianchi) Thomas Patrick (TP) and Muriel Lacey and brother of Cathy, Barbara, Marie, O’Brien. His siblings were Mary Michael, Mark and David. (Rafferty), Patrick William, Sr Cecilia IBVM, Sr Vaterian • Cliff Lee (at right) (1948-1949) husband (Bernadette) OLSH , Thomas of Pat and father of Kevin, Jason, and his twin brother Ted . His Tharasa, Peita (dec’d) and Michael and early Education was at the Holy brother of Doug, Kevin (dec’d), Name Convent just a few houses Marie(O’Driscoll) and Val up from his Bridge St home and (Fitzpatrick. he completed his Primary Education at St Mary’s College where his father Thomas Patrick had been a • Mick Fitzpatrick , husband of Helen first day pupil in 1899. He undertook his Secondary and father of Tony, Paul, Damian and Joanne. Education at Downlands from 1947 to 1950.

• Pat O’Shea husband of Cecile and father of James , In 1951 Tony went to the MSC Apostolic (Secondary) Kate and Karen . School at Douglas Park and completed his novitiate year in 1952, making his First Profession on the • 26/2/1953. He then attended the Seminary at the Steve Plasto (20/5/1970 – 26/1/2015). Croydon Monastery in Melbourne between 1953 and

• 1959 and was ordained to the Priesthood in Brisbane on Kevin John Rohan brother of Mrs Clare Bow dler. 25 th July 1959 at St Thomas the Apostle Church, Camp

• Hill. Fr Tony always recalled the day as ‘one of the Sheilah Sedl wife of John and mother of Josephine, coldest on record’. Christopher, Loretta and Maria, sister-in-law of Pat and Marie, Mary, Patricia and Cathy. Reflecting on ‘the call to the priesthood’ Fr Tony said, ‘I felt called from an early age, no doubt influenced by There are also a number unwell or recovering from my parents enthusiastically living their faith and surgery including: Doug and Tim Coonan, Kevin involving themselves often in worship and community Killoran, Pat Seymour, John Keightley, Colin in the Holy Name Parish, Toowoomba. The lasting Green, Joe Mulhall, Trevor Muller, Tom benefit of my family life, my parish involvement, my Hutchinson, Bill and Pat McErlean, Reg Taylor, schooling and having four classmates share our one Greg Keen, David Wilkinson, Greg Flynn, Joe MSC religious family for the entire length of our lives, Short, Brian Benson, Mick Moloney, Philip has strengthened my vocation. So has the religious Stephens and Pat Peut. vocation of two of my sisters, Cecilia and Bernadette , who helped me feel very ‘natural in my vocation’.Post- We thank Life Member Chris Biggin who is with the Ordination appointments were as Assistant Priest, National Bank in Stanthorpe for advising us of the Randwick, 1960/61, Parish Home Missions/Retreats death in on 26/1/2015 of 44 year old, Steve Staff based at the Kensington Monastery from 1967 Plasto, from melanoma cancer. Steve was the 1987 to 1969. College Captain. A year as Chaplain at OLSH Boys’ School, Bowral, • James Joseph Dredge , a Life followed and then between 1970 and 1971 he was a Member of our Association, staff member of the St Paul’s National Late Vocations was born to James and Seminary, Kensington. Josephine (Rafter) Dredge on 3 July 1941. His siblings were Then followed a 7 year appointment as a Missionary to Neville, Kevin and Bro Sidea, Goodenough Island, Alotau, Papua New Guinea Michael cfc. at of 40 years. These were adventurous years living with the Papuan people in grass-roofed huts without running water most of the time.

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Returning to , Fr Tony served as Parish Priest At the Metropolitan Catholic Schools Association at Kings Meadow, Tasmania (1982/87), Flinders Park Athletics Carnival in 1952, Mick Fitzgerald won the and Hindmarsh, South Australia (1990/95) and Camp Senior Sash for gaining most points in the senior Hill (1996 / 2004). Then followed 13 months working division. That day he had won the 100 yards sprint in on Palm Island among the indigenous community there, 10.5 seconds and then had to repeat the effort when the prior to returning to be an Assistant Priest at Randwick race was re-run as one of the original placegetters had 2006/2014. Fr Tony was well liked and friendly, broken at the start. He promptly then went on to win the enjoyed a joke and making people laugh. He will be 220, 440 and 880 yards events that same day. sadly missed and his fondness for the film, ‘Sound of Music’, a memory Parish won’t forget. On leaving the College, Mick attended the Teachers’ College and while there, was chosen in the The Mass of Christian Burial for the repose of the Soul Under 19 team. Some of his early of Fr Tony O’Brien MSC took place in Our Lady of the postings as a teacher were to Toowoomba East, Belah Sacred Heart Church, Randwick, on Wednesday (near Chinchilla) and Charleville State Schools. He was 9th September 2015. The Homily was preached by regarded in those days as an up and coming footballer Fr Doug Smith MSC, Community Leader of MSC although he suffered a broken jaw during a game in Parishes Community, .May the Sacred Heart of Charleville. Following a transfer to Roma in 1958, Les Jesus be everywhere loved, forever! Pettiford , the Wattles Club Chief Recruiter, wanted to sign Mick up to play with Wattles, so Les and his sons, • Michael Kerry Fitzgerald was Donny and Michael, took him fishing on the Balonne born on 12 August 1935 in River. Tragedy almost struck when the dinghy capsized, Clifton, to Michael and Winnie but some how Mick Fitzgerald reached the bank without (Murphy) Fitzgerald . The getting wet and Michael Pettiford swears blind from that couple lived in Felton at this time day Mick could walk on water. Mick did not need a great and Michael Senior had various deal of encouragement to play for Wattles as he had met jobs on the Downs working first Leo’s daughter, Helen and was very interesting to hang at a cheese factory and then as a around. They married in 1960. packer at KR Darling Downs Bacon Factory. He was on the Towards the end of 1958, , known as Reserve bench for the the Downs Fox, arranged a transfer for Mick to teach in on 18 June 1924 when they Toowoomba and he rejoined the All Whites Football beat the English Touring side 23 V 20. Club for the 1959, 1960 and 1961 seasons; he had played 7 matches for All Whites ‘A’ grade side in 1955. Michael Junior had three sisters, Clare (Mrs Darcy In total he played 54 games for the club and scored 24 Bianchi), Frances (Mrs Peter Robson) and Tricia . tries and was a member of their 1959 and 1960 His elder brother Jack predeceased him in 1977. Premiership winning teams. He gained selection in 7 Mick’s early childhood was spent mostly in Toowoomba Bulimba Cup sides during 1960 and 1961 Toowoomba and he attended St Mary’s College from and was a member of the side which drew 21-All 1949 to 1953 where Fr Hal Ranger can attest his againstFrance on 9 July 1960. There were many great school days were filled with competitive sport of all Queensland and Australian players in Toowoomba sorts including boxing, cricket, football and athletics. sides of this era like Elton Rassmussen and John He was Captain of the College cricket team in 1953 and Gleeson and Old Boys Kevin Lohman and Brian of the football teams in 1952 and 1953. The 1953 side Marks . In 1963 Mick was captain/coach of the Allora swept everything before them under the coaching of side in their win in the Warwick Bro Joe Carroll and competition.There was one notable event in one of Mick’s an historic celebratory games at the Athletic Oval in 1961. He collided with banquet was held in another player and the player’s two front teeth snapped off the Holy Name Hall to in Mick’s head. The teeth were extracted in after an hour surgery, but about 20 years later while scratching his head, the final piece of the tooth worked to the surface.

After his football playing career, Mick concentrated on his teaching and in particular, coaching schoolboy rugby league. He taught at Toowoomba South Boys’ School with another Old Boy, Lance Wilson , then Rangeville and for his final 30 years – 1969 to 1999 at St Mary’s College. In 1984 Mick Fitzgerald coached the St Mary’s College First XIII to win the Queensland Division of the Commonwealth Cup and they were gallant in defeat in the Grand Final against Lewisham Christian Brothers’ High School. Greg Manth ey and James Donnelly gained representation in Secondary Schools Rugby mark their success. League side which defeated a Great Britain side in all test matches. He also contributed to the success of the College through his work as President of the Parents and

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Friends’ Association in 1978/1979 and again in 1982 1957-1965 Class Reunion – 17 th October 2015 and 1983. 30 Classmates gathered at the Toowoomba City Golf His competitive spirit was always there, so when he Club on Saturday the 17th October to enjoy a wonderful retired from Rugby League Mick became a keen squash evening of camaraderie, reminiscing and to listen to player and enjoyed playing Masters Touch. In some colourful stories of the exploits of St. Mary’s Old retirement Helen and Mick enjoyed trips to New Boys, both when they were students and on the various Zealand, Tasmania and Western Australia or videoing journeys that they took on their career paths. the activities of their grandchildren. The unexpected was thrown up in 2005 when a ruptured aneurysm The event started with a tour of St. Mary’s at 3 pm almost cost him his life. Then in 2010 he needed major conducted by the principal Michael Newman. heart surgery, but with rehabilitation and Helen’s support, he bounced back doing exercises and playing Whilst there has been significant improvements to the ten pin bowling. buildings since the 50’s and 60’s,they were still able to find some of their original class rooms that generated On Wednesday 30/9/15 while playing tenpin, he struck memories of some interesting and notorious episodes a purple patch of form and had managed a strike and 4 when the Brothers tried to teach class sizes of 80 - 90 spares from 6 frames and while on the 7 th frame, his unruly boys. The evening celebrations kicked off at heart finally gave up the fight as Mick tried hard to 6pm with John Drew providing the official welcome to remove the remaining pin. Sincere thanks go to the all. Classmates had travelled from Melbourne, people at the Sunset Superbowl and members of the Canberra, Gold and Sunshine Coasts, Brisbane, Golden Oldies for the dignity and respect shown to Bundaberg, , towns on the Darling Downs as Mick in those final moments. well as Toowoomba locals. Their Grade 7 teacher Brother Peter Sheldon travelled from Darwin A man of few words, ‘quiet achiever’, who could especially to attend. convey the important issues in a brief speech. He was never one to seek the limelight, but had the knack of Speakers who shared their career stories included successfully pointing students in the right direction. He Kerry Clarke, pilot with the Australian Air force and achieved so much for his family, teammates, students, military hardware procurement officer, Wayne Nuss , St Mary’s College and the Toowoomba and Darling radiographer and bookmaker, Joe Ramia, businessman Downs Communities. Rev Fr Hal Ranger celebrated the and Toowoomba City councillor, Pat Carroll , transport Requiem Mass for Mick before a packed congregation industry executive and race horse breeder and Fr. Rod in St Thomas More’s Catholic Church on 7 October McGinley, priest and missionary to South America. 2015. As well as being College schoolmates, Fr Hal and Brian Conrick and Brian Potter also provided some Mick shared the same Birthday Day. anecdotes on their time at St. Mary’s and their subsequent careers. The final speaker for the evening Mick Fitzgerald is survived by his wife Helen and was Brother Sheldon who was able to enlighten us on 4 children, Tony, Paul, Damian and Joanne , their the challenges some of them provided during Grade 7. partners Karen, Roseanne, Carolyn and Brad and 13 grandchildren. Paul Fitzgerald, a , was a member Wayne Nuss conducted a Quiz on significant events of the 1984 Toowoomba Rugby League side which both at school and in the sporting and cultural events of defeated a Touring English Team 18 v 16 on 20/6/84. the sixties. Some of our memories were a little hazy He also played for Valleys (Brisbane) and was a with the winning table scoring a respectable 12 out of member of their Premiership winning side that beat 20. A book on Toowoomba in the sixties and seventies Norths in 1990. Then in 1992 playing with Wests and some wine was raffled. The book was signed by all (Brisbane), that side defeated Easts to be Premiers. in attendance providing the winner, Kerry Clarke with a unique memento of the occasion. Despite a number Each year the Mick Fitzgerald and Jan Williams promising partners it would be an early night it was Trophies are awarded to the Best All Round Sport in noticeable that a large group were still enjoying the College Primary and Secondary areas. As well as being refreshments and each others company until judged the best athlete the students selected must at all 1.00am.A breakfast that included partners was held at times display high levels of sportsmanship, dedication the Golf Club on Sunday morning. and determination while representing St Mary’s College in a sport or sporting pursuits at the highest level. In A vote of thanks to the organisers, particularly Ross 2014 the Awards went to Samuel Neale (Primary) and Fallon and his support team of Graham Ehler, John Brayden Josephs (Secondary). (See the College First Drew, Darryl Baker and Wayne Nuss . The general XIII 1984 team photo on page 2). consensus was that it was such a great evening that an annual event is under consideration.

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1957 -1965 Class Reunion friends flew to France immediately after the NRL final Joe Ramia, Joe Coorey, 1957 -1965 Class Reunion in Sydney. Peter had t attend the final as the QRL Fr Rod MacGinley, Tom Kelly Kerry Clarke, Graham Ehler chairman to watch the winning Intrust Cup team from Queensland battle it out with their southern Opponents.

Gerard & Imelda Bradley fly to Jerusalem for the wedding of their nephew in November, followed by a holiday in Spain.

• A number of our Old Boys who gained their early education at Our Lady of Lourdes School, Newtown, joined in that school’s 75 th Anniversary celebrations on 31 October, with their wives and sisters. Several first day students at Our Lady of Lourdes were Clare (Keogh) Kearney, wife of the late Frank Kearney , Wayne Nuss, Bill Browne, Br Sheldon, Terry Holm Betty and Jessie Bourke sisters of Eddie and Bertie John Geraghty Bourke and Joan and Jean Seaniger who married the late Jack Fitzgerald and Joe Mullins . In late August Peter Betros ('64-'72) and his wife, Leanne , celebrated their 60th birthdays at a restaurant • The extended Purcell Family attended the christening in Brisbane. Joining them were 4 of Peter's 5 brothers - of the grandchildren of Des and Christine Purcell by Kerry, Bevan, Murray and Danny. Chris , who works Fr Dorfield in St Patrick’s Cathedral on the first in Tokyo, was unable to attend. Also present were 6 weekend in September. The children were Elizabeth , other classmates from senior 1972 - Les Gamble, daughter of David and Cassie and Henry , son of Fr Paul Chandler, Peter Drew and wife Michelle , Christopher and Lisa . Then Mrs Barbara Purcell , Tony Jensen and wife Anne, Gerard Bradley and wife of the late Andrew Purcell (1944– 1946) wife Imelda and David Wilkinson and wife Cathy . presented the Andy Purcell Cup at the to the victors (Brisbane City) who defeated Queensland Country 41 v 24 in the National Rugby Championship that day. Andy graced the game for more than 50 years as a player, then a referee, coach and an administrator.

• Jack and Dawn Davis will be travelling over to Redcliffe in the near future for the christening of their 10 th great grandson.

• An Old Boy, Pat O’Shea, passed away in St Andrew’s Hospital on Saturday night, 5 September 2015. He battled ill health for some time. His last race call was on (Back row : John Byrnes, Gerard Bradley, David Wilkinson, 22 August. His media career Peter Betros, Tony Jensen) (Front row: Mark Wilkinson, Tim Pemble-Smith, had spanned 44 years. Peter Pemble-Smith,Greg Flynn) Pat began his Downs In a year of 60ths, David Wilkinson celebrated his 60th broadcasting at 4AK before with, amongst others, a number of Old Boys that moving to 4GR and later 4WK. Pat made his debut on included - Mark Wilkinson, Peter Pemble-Smith, Darling Downs television in 1978 while working as a Tim Pemble-Smith, Gerard Bradley, Peter Betros, high rating sport presenter and rugby league caller on Tony Jensen, Greg Flynn and John Byrnes. Peter 4GR. For five nights a week over 34 years, his Drew was supposed to attend but was hospitalised in programme was beamed into Southern Queensland Sydney (he has since recovered.) Chris Flynn was homes. His television career ended in 2012, during unable to attend as he was on holidays. restructuring by WIN Television.

David Wilkinson thanks all for their prayers and best O’Shea excelled in all forms of sport broadcasting wishes as he completes 6 sessions of chemotherapy. His including boxing, athletics, harness racing, greyhound cancer was accidentally (and fortuitously) discovered racing and rugby league. Pat and Des McGovern when he consulted a doctor over a minor issue. After 3 formed a 36 year partnership calling Sunday afternoon sessions, his doctor says there is no sign of the cancer - Toowoomba Rugby League matches until Des retired at gone but not cured is the advice. Gentlemen consult the end of the 2009 season. your doctor regularly! Peter & Leanne Betros and Les Gamble and other

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Pat had a true passion for thoroughbred racing and • Overseas at present are Dr Michael and Cathy called his first gallops race at Tara on Melbourne Cup (Stenzil) Purcell and Michael and Margo Quinlan , Day in 1970 and started calling from Clifford Park in for the Rugby World Cup semi finals and finals. Tony the mid-1980s, making 29 Weetwood Handicap calls. and Denise Purcell are touring and Dick Lynch left on 8/10/15 to visit Lourdes. He played Rugby League with the All Whites Club between 1969 and 1971 and coached their ‘A’ grade • Trevor Taylor (1958-1964) and his wife Betty (nee side to the 1985 Grand Final only to be beaten 35 v 19 Frost) visited Melbourne in September to visit their son by Newtown. and daughter-in-law, Stephen and Melanie . In November they are booked on a cruise, but Trevor In recent years, Pat was a Special Guest at a College should be back for our Pre-Christmas meeting on Formal at the invitation of the Principal, Michael 20/11/2015. Newman, and gave plenty of his time and knowledge to help community and charitable organisations. • After moving house recently, Rolly and Margaret Griffin intend to take a trip along the Great Ocean St Patrick’s Cathedral was filled to capacity for two Road and then enjoy a sea voyage back to Brisbane hours for the send off for the ‘Voice of the Darling from Perth. Downs’ who was remembered as ‘a most generous soul’. Pat is survived by his wife Cecile , son James , • In September Life Member Frank Thygesen and his daughters Kate and Karen , three grandchildren and his wife Janet of Blackall, spent 10 days on Great Keppel brother John . Island for the wedding of their granddaughter Rachel Van Mosseveld to Bradley Davis. Life Member Graham Healy (1965 – 1973) a fellow broadcaster who worked with Pat O’Shea from the • Old Boy, Ben Lowe (Year 12 – 2002), one of the early 1970s described Pat as the ultimate professional. hardest working back rowers in the NRL competition, Speaking of Pat’s sudden death, he said, “I have never has made the difficult decision to retire from Rugby met a more consummate sports commentator with a League. He has been sidelined with a bicep injury, the wealth of knowledge of most sports. But racing was his latest in a string of ailments in past seasons. greatest love and as a member of the Toowoomba Turf Club Committee, I am deeply saddened that we will no The former Newtown junior played 117 NRL games for longer hear his glorious race calls. As a Committee after making his debut in the member, I am also proud that we have decided, from 2008 season. Playing alongside his brother Jaiman 2016, to honour Pat’s memory by naming the first two (Year 12 – 2000) at the top level in the NRL rates as a year old race in Australia each year, the Pat O’Shea highlight for Ben. Being included as 18 th man for Hopeful Plate.” Queensland in the 2010 Origin Series, and being part of the 2014 Souths long awaited premiership winning • Life Member, Kevin Leadbetter (1948-1951) is squad and the 2015 victorious World Cup Challenge are looking forward to the Old Boys luncheon at Buderim others. In the World Cup Challenge, played before on 4/12/2015. Since leaving Toowoomba in 1967 to 18,000 spectators, the English side, St Helens, were undertake a Military career he has enjoyed a rather beaten 39 points to Nil. A former Texas junior Travis peripatetic lifestyle involving life in Burns was St Helen’s five eight. (several times), South Vietnam, Windsor and Richmond NSW, Toowoomba, Mt Macedon, Melbourne, Perth, South’s coach Michael Maguire paid tribute to Ben Fiji and in retirement Moffat Beach (Caloundra). Lowe’s contribution to the proud club. He said ‘Benny is one of the hardest working players we have at our • Charleville based Life Member, John Gurney and his club and he has been a major contributor to the culture wife, Helen , celebrated their Golden Wedding within the club today’. He added ‘He has a wonderful Anniversary on 11 September 2015. young family to look after and we all understand his decision to retire due to injuries’. Well done Benny! • Bill and Bev (Versace) Fechner will celebrate their Golden Wedding Anniversary on 27 November. They were married in St Teresa’s Catholic Church then in Jellicoe St, Toowoomba. Best Man was Denis Garvey who these days lives at Mulara near . Bill is a Life Member of our Association.

• Paul and Sandra (Cameron) Reynolds also celebrate their Golden Wedding Anniversary on 20/11/15 being married in St Patrick’s Cathedral.

• Old Boys, Jack Short (1933/38), Darcy Howe (1934/39), Allan Lynch (1950s), Kevin McSweeney (1949-1958), Terry Purcell (1944-47) and Laurie Blacka (1975/80) celebrated birthdays recently. Best wishes lads!

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NRL Grand Final 4/10/15

• What a game! Weren’t they outstanding achievements by St Mary’s College Old Boys on the biggest Rugby League stage of the year – the Grand Final – Broncos v Cowboys in Sydney. We all marvelled at Old Boys Johnathon Thurston (half back) and second rower and their teammates as they stuck to their task right to the 80 minute mark, with Johnathan then dancing backwards and palming off players, while surrounded by Bronco opposition players. Then a slick pass to Michael Morgan after he had drawn many opponents gave the five eight the room to pass 4 tackles and slip a right back-handed ball to the unmarked winger, , who scored in the corner to draw the scores (16 – All). Then the drama, as Johnathan’s kick from wide out hits the goal post – a miss, so there is extra time and the deadlock is broken by Johnathan’s drop-goal and the Cowboys were NRL Premiers for 2015. Johnathan co-captained the Grand Final winning side and earned the Medal. The weekend before the big game, he was awarded his fourth Dally M Medal of his career.

In the earlier game that day, Old Boys Ben and Shane Walker, coaches of the , and players, their brother Chris Walker , and Hayden Lippo (18 th man) (2009 – 2010) had success in their 26 v 12 victory over Newcastle to take out the State Championship. The Jets’ unique passing style ‘contract football’ confused the Knights.

• Nine of the players in the Final on 4/10/15 had participated in Annual Confraternity Shield Carnivals – 3 Broncos and 6 Cowboys. Broncos: Cowboys:

- and (St Brendan’s Yeppoon) - and Ethan - (St Peter Claver) Lowe (St Mary’s,Toowoomba) - was also a St Peter Claver student - Matt Scott and (St Brendan’s, Yeppoon) - Michael Morgan and Kyle Feldt (St Ignatius Park, Townsville) St Mary’s Rugby League Legends

Tom Gorman (Born 6/6/1901) Johnathan Thurston (Born 25 April 1983) • 173cm tall and 74kgs – Grand Centre and fine leader • Transferred to Brisbane Brothers in 1926 as player/ • 179cm tall and 86kgs – half back or 5/8 coach for €200 (that club’s coach and first paid player) • Played with All Whites Toowoomba before taking a • Captained to Toowoomba Rugby League transfer to Canterbury Bulldogs Premiership in 1921 • Transferred to Cowboys and 6 points away from being th • Represented the Toowoomba Clydesdales and played the 8 player in premiership history to score 36 games for Queensland over 12 years 1,800 points • On 23/6/1924 played first of 10 Tests for Australia • 33 consecutive appearances in contests against England in Sydney for 9 series wins over 10 yrs. and has played in 32 test • Captained Australia in the 1928 home series and on • State of Origin debut in 2005 1929/30 fourth Kangaroo Tour of England (First • Co-Captain of Cowboys in 2015 NRL Premiership Win Queenslander to do this), playing 4 tests and 22 games • College student (1999 – 2000) on tour • said, “Thurston plays the defensive line • Served on Executive of TBOBA (Brisbane Sub-Branch) and his courage to run the ball deep into the line before • Duncan Thompson described Tom ‘as an artist – he passing is why he can set up so many tries” shunned such crudities as power and beat men with • 4 Dally M Medals and 2015 winner of Clive Churchill acceleration and severe that was sheer grace to serve Medal, two-time winner of Queensland’s highest support players’ Indigenous Sporting Honour, the Eddie Gilbert Medal. • Inducted into the ARL Hall of Fame during in 2007

Eddie Gilbert Medal Dally M Medal

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