Clubs pay tribute to Mark O’Leary

Author Name: | Posted 12:11 pm on Wednesday 26th June, 2013

By James Matthey

The result of this weekend’s match between East Wagga and TRYC at Gumly Oval in Wagga Wagga will be one of the last things on the minds of players and supporters alike, with the day far more significant for both clubs’ efforts in paying tribute to a local legend.

Tragedy struck in February this year when Riverina footballing icon Mark ‘Grunter’ O’Leary passed away after a battle with Huntington’s disease, leaving behind him his wife Nicky and daughters Emily, Sarah, Chloe and Lilly.

However, in the wake of this tragedy, the footballing community is rallying to ensure O’Leary’s death isn’t in vain.

O’Leary starred for both clubs during different stages of his decorated career, and in recognition of his contribution to East Wagga and TRYC, the two sides will be vying for the honour of winning the inaugural Mark O’Leary Cup.

In addition to this, the player deemed best-on-ground will be awarded the Grunter Medal, an initiative designed to ensure that O’Leary’s legacy remains a strong part of the Riverina footballing community.

O’Leary played four seasons with EWK after being recruited from Victoria, before moving to TRYC where he cemented his status as a Farrer League legend, winning five premierships with the Magpies.

Current TRYC captain-coach, Michael Mazzocchi, paid tribute to O’Leary, attributing much of the club’s success to the efforts of the club stalwart.

“It will be an emotional day,” Mazzocchi said.

“Grunter (O’Leary) was a massive part of our football club.

“He won five premierships and two best-on-ground medals and I would say that we wouldn’t have won a few of those premierships if it wasn’t for the big fella.”

Mazzocchi also said that O’Leary was someone the rest of the playing group looked up to because of the uncompromising way he played the game.

“He was a real competitor and he just hated to lose – he was definitely a good role model for the young players coming through.

“Everyone just looked at the way he competed, it didn’t matter whether it was a ruck contest, a marking contest or a contest anywhere on the ground, he just hated to lose any contest.

“That teaches the players a lot.”

The day will commence with the Reserve Grade fixture at 11am, before a “Legends” game will follow, an occasion that will feature players from both clubs who had the privilege of playing with O’Leary.

In an effort to keep O’Leary’s legacy alive, the Mark O’Leary Trust has been established, and people who knew Mark are encouraged to make a donation to the charity.

Proceeds will go towards supporting the O’Leary family, including helping out with the education costs of his four daughters.

There will be numerous activities held throughout the day in order to raise funds for the Trust.

A reverse draw will be held in the function room at Gumly Oval after the match, with tickets going for $50 that entitle people to dinner, drinks and entertainment.

Additionally, sporting memorabilia will be auctioned off throughout the night, including signed and framed AFL jerseys from clubs such as Sydney, GWS, Carlton and Collingwood, while a framed vest from one of Ricky Ponting’s final test matches will also be on offer.

Other items available to be won include tickets to AFL games, plane tickets and accommodation offers.

With many current TRYC players having previously played with O’Leary, Mazzocchi believed they would be inspired by a big crowd to make ‘Grunter’ proud.

“Hopefully there will be a really big crowd there,” Mazzocchi said.

“I think the boys will play with a fair bit of the ‘Grunter Spirit’.”

For more information, you can contact the following people:

Trustees

Steven Carroll – carrolls@ww.catholic.edu.au

Bob & Gail Driscoll – Gail.Driscoll@det.nsw.edu.au

Greg Diessel – gdiessel@maxhire.com.au

Tammy Holzheimer – t.holzheimer@chlaw.com.au

Fundraising Committee

John & Traci Driscoll – t-driscoll@live.com

Rob Emmett – robemmett75@hotmail.com

Rick & Janine Fitzsimmons – ricky.fitzsimmons@essentialenergy.com.au