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

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) Brisbane 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) Toowoomba, 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:goodmank@stmaryscollege.comor 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.

�November 2015 �

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Present Apologies

Laurie Atzeni (Hon) John Bagget Frank Deighton Les Duncan Brian Gagen Terry Gesch Barry Gordon Rolly Griffin John Hagan John Hutchinson

Barry Kuhnemann Doug Lee Dick Lynch Pat Mullins Dan McErlean Peter McMahon Bryan McSweeney Martin O’Sullivan Graham Swenson Glen Wiedman

Fr Paul Chandler Fr Tyrone Deere Frank Adamson Nev Card Nat Chandler Bernie Collins John Coyer Noel Cronin Jack Davis (Hon) John Drew Allan Duncan Des Franklin Tim Hagan Tom Hutchinson

Fred Lincoln Jim Long Mick Moloney Jim Mullins Bernie Murphy Terry Murphy Rod McDonald Lee Nightingale John Noonan John O’Neill Jack Parker Errol Ryan Kerry Taylor Reg Taylor Trevor Taylor

• 1951/59 Former Classmates including Brother Gary Ferguson (Mulgoa,

NSW), Bernie Collins (Maryborough), Ray Cross (Eltham, NSW), Cliff Jones (Rockhampton), 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).

20/11/2015 11am – 2pm

Brisbane TBOBA Sub-Branch Meeting – 1st Floor, Function Room, ‘The Public Service 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 Noon

TBOBA Sunshine Coast Meeting at Headland Golf Club on Golf Links Road, Buderim. Contacts: Bernie Murphy (5478 0742), Terry Murphy (5456 4340) or Redmond Byrne (5477 6705)

11/3/2016 11am – 2pm

Brisbane TBOBA Sub-Branch Meeting – 1st Floor, Function Room, ‘The Public Service Club’, 84 William Street (cnr Stephens Lane), Brisbane

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

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’

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As November is the month of the ‘Holy Souls’, please remember our deceased Old Boys, Christian Brothers and Friends of the College. A number have passed away recently:

• Brian King husband of Suzanne (dec’d), brother of

Ray and Dermott (dec’d), Barry and Margaret .

• Kevin Bartholomew (85 years) who passed away on 6/10/2015.

• Pat Sullivan (85 years) and brother of Mary Mallet and the late Bill Sullivan .

• Stephen Lacey (48 years) died suddenly on 20/8/2015, son of Les (RIP) and Shirley (Bianchi) Lacey and brother of Cathy, Barbara, Marie, Michael, Mark and David.

• Cliff Lee(at right) (1948-1949) husband of Pat and father of Kevin, Jason, Tharasa, Peita (dec’d) and Michael and brother of Doug, Kevin (dec’d), Marie(O’Driscoll) and Val (Fitzpatrick.

• Mick Fitzpatrick , husband of Helen and father of Tony, Paul, Damian and Joanne.

• Pat O’Shea husband of Cecile and father of James, Kate and Karen.

• Steve Plasto (20/5/1970 – 26/1/2015).

• Kevin John Rohan brother of Mrs Clare Bowdler.

• Sheilah Sedl wife of John and mother of Josephine, Christopher, Loretta and Maria, sister-in-law of Pat and Marie, Mary, Patricia and Cathy.

There are also a number unwell or recovering from surgery including: Doug and Tim Coonan, Kevin Killoran, Pat Seymour, John Keightley, Colin Green, Joe Mulhall, Trevor Muller, Tom Hutchinson, Bill and Pat McErlean, Reg Taylor, Greg Keen, David Wilkinson, Greg Flynn, Joe Short, Brian Benson, Mick Moloney, Philip Stephens and Pat Peut. We thank Life Member Chris Biggin who is with the National Bank in Stanthorpe for advising us of the death in England on 26/1/2015 of 44 year old, Steve Plasto, from melanoma cancer. Steve was the 1987 College Captain.

• James Joseph Dredge, a Life Member of our Association, was born to James and Josephine (Rafter) Dredge on 3 July 1941. His siblings were Neville, Kevin and Bro Michael cfc.

While at St Mary’s College he was part of the 1950/1959 Class Group. After employment in the transport industry in Toowoomba, he worked in Rosedale and Bundaberg before taking a permanent position at the QAL Alumina Smelter in Gladstone in 1973 and worked there until his retirement to Urangan, Hervey Bay in 2012. Sadly he passed to Eternal Life on 13/8/2015 at the local St Stephen’s Hospital after being diagnosed with terminal cancer (melanoma).Jim is survived by his wife, Pat, five sons and two daughters – Warren, Wayne, John, Shaun, Jenny, Brad and Kelly.

• Fr Anthony Herbert O’Brien

MSCwas born on 16 May 1933 to Thomas Patrick (TP) and Muriel O’Brien. His siblings were Mary (Rafferty), Patrick William, Sr

Cecilia IBVM, Sr Vaterian (Bernadette) OLSH, Thomas and his twin brother Ted. His early Education was at the Holy Name Convent just a few houses up from his Bridge St home and he completed his Primary Education at St Mary’s College where his father Thomas Patrick had been a first day pupil in 1899. He undertook his Secondary

Education at Downlands from 1947 to 1950.

In 1951 Tony went to the MSC Apostolic (Secondary) 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 Croydon Monastery in Melbourne between 1953 and 1959 and was ordained to the Priesthood in Brisbane on 25th July 1959 at St Thomas the Apostle Church, Camp Hill. Fr Tony always recalled the day as ‘one of the coldest on record’. Reflecting on ‘the call to the priesthood’ Fr Tony said, ‘I felt called from an early age, no doubt influenced by my parents enthusiastically living their faith and involving themselves often in worship and community in the Holy Name Parish, Toowoomba. The lasting benefit of my family life, my parish involvement, my schooling and having four classmates share our one MSC religious family for the entire length of our lives, has strengthened my vocation. So has the religious vocation of two of my sisters, Cecilia and Bernadette, who helped me feel very ‘natural in my vocation’.Post-Ordination appointments were as Assistant Priest, Randwick, 1960/61, Parish Home Missions/Retreats Staff based at the Kensington Monastery from 1967 to 1969. A year as Chaplain at OLSH Boys’ School, Bowral, followed and then between 1970 and 1971 he was a staff member of the St Paul’s National Late Vocations Seminary, Kensington. Then followed a 7 year appointment as a Missionary to Sidea, Goodenough Island, Alotau, Papua New Guinea at the age 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 Australia, Fr Tony served as Parish Priest at Kings Meadow, Tasmania (1982/87), Flinders Park and Hindmarsh, South Australia (1990/95) and Camp Hill (1996 / 2004). Then followed 13 months working on Palm Island among the indigenous community there, prior to returning to be an Assistant Priest at Randwick 2006/2014. Fr Tony was well liked and friendly, enjoyed a joke and making people laugh. He will be sadly missed and his fondness for the film, ‘Sound of Music’, a memory Parish won’t forget. The Mass of Christian Burial for the repose of the Soul of Fr Tony O’Brien MSC took place in Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Church, Randwick, on Wednesday 9th September 2015. The Homily was preached by Fr Doug Smith MSC, Community Leader of MSC Parishes Community, Sydney.May the Sacred Heart of Jesus be everywhere loved, forever!

• Michael Kerry Fitzgerald was born on 12 August 1935 in Clifton, to Michael and Winnie (Murphy) Fitzgerald . The couple lived in Felton at this time and Michael Senior had various jobs on the Downs working first at a cheese factory and then as a packer at KR Darling Downs Bacon Factory. He was on the Reserve bench for the Toowoomba Clydesdales on 18 June 1924 when they beat the English Touring Rugby League side 23 V 20. Michael Junior had three sisters, Clare (Mrs Darcy Bianchi), Frances (Mrs Peter Robson) and Tricia. His elder brother Jack predeceased him in 1977. Mick’s early childhood was spent mostly in Toowoomba and he attended St Mary’s College from 1949 to 1953 where Fr Hal Ranger can attest his school days were filled with competitive sport of all sorts including boxing, cricket, football and athletics. He was Captain of the College cricket team in 1953 and of the football teams in 1952 and 1953. The 1953 side swept everything before them under the coaching of Bro Joe Carroll and an historic celebratory banquet was held in the Holy Name Hall to

mark their success.

At the Metropolitan Catholic Schools Association Athletics Carnival in 1952, Mick Fitzgerald won the Senior Sash for gaining most points in the senior division. That day he had won the 100 yards sprint in 10.5 seconds and then had to repeat the effort when the race was re-run as one of the original placegetters had broken at the start. He promptly then went on to win the 220, 440 and 880 yards events that same day. On leaving the College, Mick attended the Teachers’ College and while there, was chosen in the Queensland Rugby Union Under 19 team. Some of his early postings as a teacher were to Toowoomba East, Belah (near Chinchilla) and Charleville State Schools. He was regarded in those days as an up and coming footballer although he suffered a broken jaw during a game in Charleville. Following a transfer to Roma in 1958, Les Pettiford , the Wattles Club Chief Recruiter, wanted to sign Mick up to play with Wattles, so Les and his sons,

Donny and Michael, took him fishing on the Balonne River. Tragedy almost struck when the dinghy capsized, but some how Mick Fitzgerald reached the bank without getting wet and Michael Pettiford swears blind from that day Mick could walk on water. Mick did not need a great deal of encouragement to play for Wattles as he had met Leo’s daughter, Helen and was very interesting to hang around. They married in 1960. Towards the end of 1958, Duncan Thompson, known as the Downs Fox, arranged a transfer for Mick to teach in

Toowoomba and he rejoined the All Whites Football Club for the 1959, 1960 and 1961 seasons; he had played 7 matches for All Whites ‘A’ grade side in 1955. In total he played 54 games for the club and scored 24 tries and was a member of their 1959 and 1960 Premiership winning teams. He gained selection in 7 Toowoomba Bulimba Cup sides during 1960 and 1961 and was a member of the side which drew 21-All againstFrance on 9 July 1960. There were many great Queensland and Australian players in Toowoomba sides of this era like Elton Rassmussen and John Gleeson and Old Boys Kevin Lohman and Brian Marks . In 1963 Mick was captain/coach of the Allora side in their Grand Final win in the Warwick

competition.There was one notable event in one of Mick’s games at the Athletic Oval in 1961. He collided with another player and the player’s two front teeth snapped off 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 Manthey and James Donnelly gained representation in the Australian Secondary Schools Rugby 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 and 1983. His competitive spirit was always there, so when he retired from Rugby League Mick became a keen squash player and enjoyed playing Masters Touch. In retirement Helen and Mick enjoyed trips to New Zealand, Tasmania and Western Australia or videoing the activities of their grandchildren. The unexpected was thrown up in 2005 when a ruptured aneurysm almost cost him his life. Then in 2010 he needed major heart surgery, but with rehabilitation and Helen’s support, he bounced back doing exercises and playing ten pin bowling. On Wednesday 30/9/15 while playing tenpin, he struck a purple patch of form and had managed a strike and 4 spares from 6 frames and while on the 7th frame, his heart finally gave up the fight as Mick tried hard to remove the remaining pin. Sincere thanks go to the people at the Sunset Superbowl and members of the Golden Oldies for the dignity and respect shown to Mick in those final moments. A man of few words, ‘quiet achiever’, who could convey the important issues in a brief speech. He was never one to seek the limelight, but had the knack of successfully pointing students in the right direction. He achieved so much for his family, teammates, students, St Mary’s College and the Toowoomba and Darling Downs Communities. Rev Fr Hal Ranger celebrated the Requiem Mass for Mick before a packed congregation in St Thomas More’s Catholic Church on 7 October 2015. As well as being College schoolmates, Fr Hal and Mick shared the same Birthday Day. Mick Fitzgerald is survived by his wife Helen and 4 children, Tony, Paul, Damian and Joanne, their partners Karen, Roseanne, Carolyn and Brad and 13 grandchildren. Paul Fitzgerald, a hooker, was a member of the 1984 Toowoomba Rugby League side which defeated a Touring English Team 18 v 16 on 20/6/84. He also played for Valleys (Brisbane) and was a member of their Premiership winning side that beat Norths in 1990. Then in 1992 playing with Wests (Brisbane), that side defeated Easts to be Premiers. Each year the Mick Fitzgerald and Jan Williams Trophies are awarded to the Best All Round Sport in College Primary and Secondary areas. As well as being judged the best athlete the students selected must at all times display high levels of sportsmanship, dedication and determination while representing St Mary’s College in a sport or sporting pursuits at the highest level. In 2014 the Awards went to Samuel Neale (Primary) and Brayden Josephs (Secondary). (See the College First XIII 1984 team photo on page 2).

1957-1965 Class Reunion – 17th October 2015 30 Classmates gathered at the Toowoomba City Golf Club on Saturday the 17th October to enjoy a wonderful evening of camaraderie, reminiscing and to listen to some colourful stories of the exploits of St. Mary’s Old Boys, both when they were students and on the various journeys that they took on their career paths.

The event started with a tour of St. Mary’s at 3 pm conducted by the principal Michael Newman. Whilst there has been significant improvements to the buildings since the 50’s and 60’s,they were still able to find some of their original class rooms that generated memories of some interesting and notorious episodes when the Brothers tried to teach class sizes of 80 - 90 unruly boys. The evening celebrations kicked off at 6pm with John Drew providing the official welcome to all. Classmates had travelled from Melbourne, Canberra, Gold and Sunshine Coasts, Brisbane, Bundaberg, Biloela, towns on the Darling Downs as well as Toowoomba locals. Their Grade 7 teacher Brother Peter Sheldon travelled from Darwin especially to attend. Speakers who shared their career stories included Kerry Clarke, pilot with the Australian Air force and military hardware procurement officer, Wayne Nuss, radiographer and bookmaker, Joe Ramia, businessman and Toowoomba City councillor, Pat Carroll , transport industry executive and race horse breeder and Fr. Rod McGinley, priest and missionary to South America. Brian Conrick and Brian Potter also provided some anecdotes on their time at St. Mary’s and their subsequent careers. The final speaker for the evening was Brother Sheldon who was able to enlighten us on the challenges some of them provided during Grade 7. Wayne Nuss conducted a Quiz on significant events both at school and in the sporting and cultural events of the sixties. Some of our memories were a little hazy with the winning table scoring a respectable 12 out of 20. A book on Toowoomba in the sixties and seventies and some wine was raffled. The book was signed by all in attendance providing the winner, Kerry Clarke with a unique memento of the occasion. Despite a number promising partners it would be an early night it was noticeable that a large group were still enjoying the refreshments and each others company until 1.00am.A breakfast that included partners was held at the Golf Club on Sunday morning. A vote of thanks to the organisers, particularly Ross Fallon and his support team of Graham Ehler, John Drew, Darryl Baker and Wayne Nuss. The general consensus was that it was such a great evening that an annual event is under consideration.

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In late August Peter Betros ('64-'72) and his wife, Leanne, celebrated their 60th birthdays at a restaurant in Brisbane. Joining them were 4 of Peter's 5 brothers - Kerry, Bevan, Murray and Danny. Chris, who works in Tokyo, was unable to attend. Also present were 6 other classmates from senior 1972 - Les Gamble, Fr Paul Chandler, Peter Drew and wife Michelle, Tony Jensen and wife Anne, Gerard Bradley and wife Imelda and David Wilkinson and wife Cathy.

In a year of 60ths, David Wilkinson celebrated his 60th with, amongst others, a number of Old Boys that included - Mark Wilkinson, Peter Pemble-Smith, Tim Pemble-Smith, Gerard Bradley, Peter Betros, Tony Jensen, Greg Flynn and John Byrnes. Peter Drew was supposed to attend but was hospitalised in Sydney (he has since recovered.) Chris Flynn was unable to attend as he was on holidays. David Wilkinson thanks all for their prayers and best wishes as he completes 6 sessions of chemotherapy. His cancer was accidentally (and fortuitously) discovered when he consulted a doctor over a minor issue. After 3 sessions, his doctor says there is no sign of the cancer - gone but not cured is the advice. Gentlemen consult your doctor regularly! Peter & Leanne Betros and Les Gamble and other

friends flew to France immediately after the NRL final in Sydney. Peter had t attend the final as the QRL 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 75th 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, Betty and Jessie Bourke sisters of Eddie and Bertie Bourke and Joan and Jean Seaniger who married the late Jack Fitzgerald and Joe Mullins.

• The extended Purcell Family attended the christening of the grandchildren of Des and Christine Purcell by Fr Dorfield in St Patrick’s Cathedral on the first weekend in September. The children were Elizabeth, daughter of David and Cassie and Henry, son of Christopher and Lisa. Then Mrs Barbara Purcell , wife of the late Andrew Purcell (1944– 1946) presented the Andy Purcell Cup at the Clive Berghofer Stadium 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 10th 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 22 August. His media career had spanned 44 years.

Pat began his Downs broadcasting at 4AK before moving to 4GR and later 4WK. Pat made his debut on Darling Downs television in 1978 while working as a high rating sport presenter and rugby league caller on 4GR. For five nights a week over 34 years, his programme was beamed into Southern Queensland homes. His television career ended in 2012, during restructuring by WIN Television. O’Shea excelled in all forms of sport broadcasting including boxing, athletics, harness racing, greyhound racing and rugby league. Pat and Des McGovern formed a 36 year partnership calling Sunday afternoon Toowoomba Rugby League matches until Des retired at the end of the 2009 season.

(Back row : John Byrnes, Gerard Bradley, David Wilkinson, Peter Betros, Tony Jensen)

(Front row: Mark Wilkinson, Tim Pemble-Smith, Peter Pemble-Smith,Greg Flynn)

Wayne Nuss, Bill Browne, John Geraghty

Br Sheldon, Terry Holm

1957-1965 Class Reunion Kerry Clarke, Graham Ehler

1957-1965 Class Reunion Joe Ramia, Joe Coorey,

Fr Rod MacGinley, Tom Kelly

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Pat had a true passion for thoroughbred racing and called his first gallops race at Tara on Melbourne Cup Day in 1970 and started calling from Clifford Park in the mid-1980s, making 29 Weetwood Handicap calls. He played Rugby League with the All Whites Club between 1969 and 1971 and coached their ‘A’ grade side to the 1985 Grand Final only to be beaten 35 v 19 by Newtown. In recent years, Pat was a Special Guest at a College Formal at the invitation of the Principal, Michael Newman, and gave plenty of his time and knowledge to help community and charitable organisations. St Patrick’s Cathedral was filled to capacity for two hours for the send off for the ‘Voice of the Darling Downs’ who was remembered as ‘a most generous soul’. Pat is survived by his wife Cecile, son James, daughters Kate and Karen, three grandchildren and his brother John. Life Member Graham Healy (1965 – 1973) a fellow broadcaster who worked with Pat O’Shea from the early 1970s described Pat as the ultimate professional. Speaking of Pat’s sudden death, he said, “I have never met a more consummate sports commentator with a wealth of knowledge of most sports. But racing was his greatest love and as a member of the Toowoomba Turf Club Committee, I am deeply saddened that we will no longer hear his glorious race calls. As a Committee member, I am also proud that we have decided, from 2016, to honour Pat’s memory by naming the first two year old race in Australia each year, the Pat O’Shea Hopeful Plate.”

• Life Member, Kevin Leadbetter (1948-1951) is

looking forward to the Old Boys luncheon at Buderim on 4/12/2015. Since leaving Toowoomba in 1967 to undertake a Military career he has enjoyed a rather peripatetic lifestyle involving life in Townsville (several times), South Vietnam, Windsor and Richmond NSW, Toowoomba, Mt Macedon, Melbourne, Perth, Fiji and in retirement Moffat Beach (Caloundra).

• Charleville based Life Member, John Gurney and his

wife, Helen, celebrated their Golden Wedding Anniversary on 11 September 2015.

• 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 Yeppoon. 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!

• Overseas at present are Dr Michael and Cathy (Stenzil) Purcell and Michael and Margo Quinlan, for the Rugby World Cup semi finals and finals. Tony and Denise Purcell are touring Europe and Dick Lynch left on 8/10/15 to visit Lourdes.

• Trevor Taylor (1958-1964) and his wife Betty (nee

Frost) visited Melbourne in September to visit their son and daughter-in-law, Stephen and Melanie. In November they are booked on a cruise, but Trevor should be back for our Pre-Christmas meeting on 20/11/2015.

• After moving house recently, Rolly and Margaret

Griffin intend to take a trip along the Great Ocean Road and then enjoy a sea voyage back to Brisbane from Perth.

• In September Life Member Frank Thygesen and his

wife Janetof Blackall, spent 10 days on Great Keppel Island for the wedding of their granddaughter Rachel Van Mosseveld to Bradley Davis.

• Old Boy, Ben Lowe (Year 12 – 2002), one of the

hardest working back rowers in the NRL competition, has made the difficult decision to retire from Rugby League. He has been sidelined with a bicep injury, the latest in a string of ailments in past seasons.

The former Newtown junior played 117 NRL games for South Sydney Rabbitohs after making his debut in the 2008 season. Playing alongside his brother Jaiman (Year 12 – 2000) at the top level in the NRL rates as a highlight for Ben. Being included as 18th man for Queensland in the 2010 Origin Series, and being part of the 2014 Souths long awaited premiership winning squad and the 2015 victorious World Cup Challenge are others. In the World Cup Challenge, played before 18,000 spectators, the English side, St Helens, were beaten 39 points to Nil. A former Texas junior Travis Burns was St Helen’s five eight. South’s coach Michael Maguire paid tribute to Ben Lowe’s contribution to the proud club. He said ‘Benny is one of the hardest working players we have at our club and he has been a major contributor to the culture within the club today’. He added ‘He has a wonderful young family to look after and we all understand his decision to retire due to injuries’. Well done Benny!

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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 Ethan Lowe 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, Kyle Feldt, 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 Clive Churchill 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 Ipswich Jets, and players, their brother Chris Walker , and Hayden Lippo (18th 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 National Rugby League Final on 4/10/15 had participated in Annual Confraternity Shield Carnivals – 3 Broncos and 6 Cowboys.

Tom Gorman (Born 6/6/1901)

• 173cm tall and 74kgs – Grand Centre and fine leader • Transferred to Brisbane Brothers in 1926 as player/

coach for €200 (that club’s coach and first paid player) • Captained Past Brothers to Toowoomba Rugby League

Premiership in 1921 • Represented the Toowoomba Clydesdales and played

36 games for Queensland over 12 years • On 23/6/1924 played first of 10 Tests for Australia

against England in Sydney • Captained Australia in the 1928 home series and on

1929/30 fourth Kangaroo Tour of England (First Queenslander to do this), playing 4 tests and 22 games on tour

• Served on Executive of TBOBA (Brisbane Sub-Branch) • Duncan Thompson described Tom ‘as an artist – he

shunned such crudities as power and beat men with acceleration and severe that was sheer grace to serve support players’

• Inducted into the ARL Hall of Fame during Dally M Awards in 2007

Johnathan Thurston (Born 25 April 1983)

• 179cm tall and 86kgs – half back or 5/8 • Played with All Whites Toowoomba before taking a

transfer to Canterbury Bulldogs • Transferred to Cowboys and 6 points away from being

the 8th player in premiership history to score 1,800 points

• 33 consecutive appearances in State of Origin contests for 9 series wins over 10 yrs. and has played in 32 test

• State of Origin debut in 2005 • Co-Captain of Cowboys in 2015 NRL Premiership Win • College student (1999 – 2000) • Andrew Johns said, “Thurston plays the defensive line

and his courage to run the ball deep into the line before passing is why he can set up so many tries”

• 4 Dally M Medals and 2015 winner of Clive Churchill Medal, two-time winner of Queensland’s highest Indigenous Sporting Honour, the Eddie Gilbert Medal.

St Mary’s Rugby League Legends

Eddie Gilbert Medal Dally M Medal

Broncos: - Ben Hunt and Corey Oates (St Brendan’s Yeppoon)

- Joe Ofahengaue (St Peter Claver) - Anthony Milford was also a St Peter Claver student

Cowboys: - Johnathan Thurston and Ethan

Lowe(St Mary’s,Toowoomba) - Matt Scott and Jake Granville (St Brendan’s,

Yeppoon) - Michael Morgan and Kyle Feldt (St Ignatius Park,

Townsville)