Clarke O’Brien

Men of League welfare officers John “Bomber” Peard and Ron Pearce caught up with former referee, Clarke O’Brien. He refereed in the local juniors in the Cronulla area and was a De La Salle Caringbah junior club man.
Mr Clarke was awarded last year with a De La Salle memorabilia piece jumper for his 40 year services to the Caringbah club as a former coach and committeeman. He mentioned during the visit that he coached great players with the likes of Paul Walker, Craig and Alan Wilson and Cronulla Sharks legend and at one point NRL poster boy Andrew Ettingshausen.

Since living in the shire for 56 years, Clarke is a proud Cronulla Sharks fan and cannot wait for their upcoming home game this year as the Sharks have kindly organised a disabled seat just for him to cheer on his beloved sharks.

In the most recent years, Clarke has been doing it tough with his mobility. He has been suffering from hip problems and had also found cancer in his left leg which he has had chemotherapy to prevent further spreading and is fighting strong. The visit from John “Bomber” Peard and Ron Pearce was much appreciated by Clarke as they all shared yarns about rugby league.

By Velu Nuumaalii

Section:
Social Welfare
Committee:
NSW State Committee