John Peard cracks them up at Men of League golf day
October 26, 2009
Former rugby league star John Peard may not move as freely as he used to because of a stroke, but it hasn’t affected his wit and humour.
Peard was the guest speaker at the Men of League Foundation – Northern Rivers Division golf day at Ballina last Sunday, and he had the crowd in fits of laughter as he reeled off joke after joke.
“Men of League now is building its own hostel,” he told the crowd.
“I’ve booked bed Number One.”
Arthur Beetson (also known as Big Artie for obvious reasons) has booked Bed Number Two, and beds Three, Four and Five, Peard joked.
Peard’s humour capped off a successful first golf day organised by the revamped Northern Rivers Division of the Men of League Foundation.
Thirty-two teams of four contested the Ambrose event, and there were others on hand later at the Ballina Golf Club for the after-golf function.
Although it was a ‘Men of League’ event, there were plenty of women who competed, with the youngest a 13-year-old.
The golf day was the first event organised by the new committee, which is headed by president Phil Chesham, of Ballina, and secretary Tony Cicchinelli, of Lismore. Former Australian Rugby League general manager Bob Abbott, AM, now of Tintenbar, is the patron.
Denis Meaney, of Ballina, is vice-president; and Peter Boland, of Ballina, is the treasurer.
Phil Loader, of Byron Bay, is the welfare officer.
Committee members include Steve Colman (Ballina), Ken Flanagan (Ballina), Kevin Junee (Lismore), Tony Koellner (Ballina), John Mayes (Evans Head), Tony Durheim (Lismore) and Michael Ross (Ballina).
Also on the committee is the State Member for Lismore, Thomas George, and his extensive local knowledge and contacts will be a bonus as Men of League Foundation – Northern Rivers Division looks to expand its reach in the region.
The new committee agreed that representation was needed from key towns in the area: Casino, Kyogle, Evans Head, Ballina and Lismore.
Men of League Foundation – Northern Rivers Division has already established a reputation for its charitable work with the Lismore Base Hospital’s Our Kids organisation, the Far North Coast Autism Centre, the Ballina Hospital’s appeal for new X-ray equipment and Kyogle man Tyson Alcorn, who was seriously injured in a motorbike accident, among the beneficiaries. Recently $3500 was donated to the Prostate Cancer Foundation.
Patron Bob Abbott, AM, said the new committee was keen to continue Men of League’s ideal of helping people in need.
“We’re there to help,” he said. “There’s a lot of ex-players who need help but won’t ask.”
Bob urged any person interested in Rugby League and the Men of League’s ideals to ‘be a part of this wonderful part of Rugby League’.
PICTURES (from top): John Peard (third from left) with former Sydney players Peter Boulton, Ken Flanagan and Greg Fryer, and former Sydney referee Ron Pearce.
The winning group (from left) Ian Miller, Rod Kirkland, Paul Kirkland and Nick Hunter.
Greg Quinn, Doug Sharpe, Michael Ross and Trevor Russell.
Bill Powell, Marjorie Askew and Barb and Denis Meaney.
13-year-old Crystal Williamson (front) with Tasha Evans, Liz Nicholls, Jane Johnston and Lynne Hay.
Front, from left, Sam Hildrew, Max Hildrew, Debbie Hildrew, Helen Koellner and Judy Gatwood; back, from left, Barry Irvine, Brett Morris, Mick Gatwood and Mick Koellner.
No prizes for guessing which NRL team Mick Kearney supports.
Men of League Northern Rivers contacts:
PATRON: Bob Abbott nor3bob@bigpond.com 0418 232 147
PRESIDENT: Phil Chesham heatherc57@hotmail.com 0402 305 498
VICE PRESIDENT: Denis Meaney meaney10@bigpond.com 0428 414 205
SECRETARY: Tony Cicchinelli tony@spectrumbenefits.com.au 6621 3096
TREASURER: Peter Boland peter.boland@sccu.com.au 0412 297 156
WELFARE OFFICER: Phil Loader gmar@live.com.au 0432 411 857
PUBLICITY OFFICER: Barry Cheadle barrycheadle1@bigpond.com
Related posts:
- Charity golf day will aid Australian Seabird Rescue
- Ballina league club, Dragons Abreast raise cancer awareness
- Chinderah Golf Course gets rid of its ‘water hazard’
- Big week of golf as PGA Seniors take on Byron Bay course
- Howell Cup, Anthony Shield on show in local rugby league exhibition
Related Articles:
Related posts:
Great stuff Barry