A FINAL commemoration and farewell was held for Owen Patrick Sweeney at St Patrick’s Catholic Church last Friday, and what a send-off it was, which continued at the bowling club for quite some time afterwards. His grandson Mitchell delivered the eulogy and, at the start, informed everyone it would represent exactly what OP was – fun, and he was certainly true to his word. throughout Mitch’s lengthy address, laughter billowed out of the church and was heard all around the church grounds as OP’s adventures and misadventures were recounted.
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MITCHELL didn’t get off to the best of starts when the priest introduced him as “Michelle” which, according to him, was the first time that had ever happened. Among the humorous stuff, there were plenty of OP’s many achievements mentioned, and the countless voluntary hours he gave to a community he absolutely loved being a part of. There are too many clubs and organisations to mention in this short space, but collectively, OP gave well over 150 years of honorary service to the Walcha district, truly remarkable for a dedicated man who graced this planet for 77 years.
FULL of emotion, Mitchell finished his address with “Scouts’ honour, kangaroo patrol RIP Pop”, which left plenty of misty eyes among those who attended OP’s celebration of life ceremony. May Owen Patrick Sweeney, born January 28, 1940 and left this life on July 18, 2017, now take a well-earned rest.
THIS one is for any local golfer who needs more of a challenge than just turning up for a round. Next time you are playing the eighth hole, hit your tee shot through the car park into the bunker on 18, then land your recovery shot on the 10th fairway before duffing your third by trickling it onto the ninth fairway. You then need to land your ball on the eighth green and miss your par putt before strolling off with a bogey six. How could anyone do that? Ask Andrew “Buddha” Bowden – he did it last Sunday.
...how did Bulldogs tragic Wendy Starr pick the card at the Newie last week unless she went against her beloved 'Hushpuppies'?
AFTER the footy at Kootingal, one sizeable bearded Roos official was spotted attempting to get into the back of a vehicle. The bloke was about to put his gear in the car when he noticed a portable fridge that wasn’t there earlier. What’s more, a voice from the front seat said, “Have you found your father yet?”. Simple explanation really, there were two identical Toyota Prado Landcruisers parked next to each other. The one I opened the back door of belonged to the McAlisters, with Jodie in the front seat, while the one I was meant to be travelling in belonging to Dianne Green, was next door. There was a mention from Jenny Haslem that maybe the “incident” should be reported in this week’s column.
BIG Wigs of the Week: West End Store – Troy Hawkins; Prime Meats – Clint Lyon; Vet Supplies – Bonnie Smith; Apsley – Jack O’Hara, Tony Souza; BC – Jan Breeze, “Stork” Brazel, “Normie” Goodwin, Gerry Moran, Jack O’Hara, John “BW” McLean; Newie – “Filbert” Green, “Normie” Goodwin, Jenny Hill, “Paddles” Chandler, Steve Hammond, Wendy Starr, Andrew Kelly, RJ Kerr, “Dizzy” Eveleigh, Fraser Evans, “Bruce Willis” McLean and Jack O’Hara. All tipsters selected the card.
DRAGONS director Johnny O’Hara selected the card at three venues. He was more “tickled pink” about picking up a rack of longnecks off a certain Sea Eagles supporter. Still owed one from the opening round, Jack suggested a double or nothing wager, but the clever one decided two on the game would give him the chance of salvaging one, which didn’t turn out to be the case.
SPECIAL mention to Fraser Evans who has picked the card twice in a row at the Newie, and to “Muzza” Rose who selected a complete card at the Bowlies two rounds ago, which would be difficult unless he chose the Sea Eagles over his Wests Tigers. Then again, how did Bulldogs tragic Wendy Starr pick the card at the Newie last week unless she went against her beloved “Hushpuppies”?
SOME readers may have read in last week’s column that after two days play at Kooralbyn Valley Golf Course, only one player of the Walcha quartet had kept his balls dry on the infamous 17th hole, which is nearly water from tee to green. Well, that changed on day three, when the “Dry Land Man” who had christened it the “foregone conclusion” hole sent five balls to a watery grave.
THE first three days were played under a 4BBB front door, back door format where everyone played with a different player each day. “Simone” was the star, winning all three matches, while naturally, the other three won one each. The snake title for three putts changed that many times, as many as three times on a hole, an overall total would be too difficult to tally. Neil and Andrew took it to a new level though, when they both five-jabbed a hole each.
HAPPY birthday to Sharron Swanton, Pauline Marchant, Lachie Stackman, Anton McDonald, Laura Kuhr, Ray “Choom” Foster and all other that share our day – August 2 – next Wednesday. Sadly, our old mate Alf Croucher won’t be blowing out the candles this year. Best wishes to horse enthusiast Cathy Brennan who celebrates her special day on Monday.