Visit to a proud Rugby League family member – Brian Irvine
One of the famous family names in rugby league is “Irvine” and recently Welfare Officers Garry O’Donnell, Peter Moses, Norm Jackson, Ken Vessey accompanied by former North Sydney Bears players Jeff Simmons and Paul Hancock met up with Brian Irvine (73 yrs old).
Brian is a proud member of the Irvine family and during our visit Brian’s younger brother Peter joined us. Brian and Peter are the younger brothers of deceased Australian rugby league representative Ken “Mongo” Irvine, who during the 1950’s-1970’s thrilled rugby league supporters throughout the World with his skill and speed as he established himself as the World’s best winger and one of the game’s best ever.
Photo left to right – Peter Moses, Garry O’Donnell, Brian Irvine, Paul Hancock, Norm Pounder and Ken Vessey
Peter Moses went to school with Brian whilst Jeff (Ken’s brother in law) and Paul played junior rugby league with Brian before playing with Ken at the North Sydney Bears Club during the 1960’s. Brian played his junior rugby league as a cheeky halfback in the North Sydney Junior Rugby League competitions with the North Sydney United, Neutral Bay and Mosman Clubs.
Brian is recovering from a tough medical period in the last 12 months but is now playing bowls at his local Club and is well supported by his charming wife Mary, their 4 daughters, 3 sons and 13 grandchildren.
One of their sons Daniel played 1st grade for the Parramatta Eels, Canterbury Bulldogs Rugby League Clubs during 2000-2007 as a highly skilled hooker plus coached the South Sydney Toyota Club under 20 years old team in 2008-2009. Away from rugby league Daniel is a highly respected Chiropractor in the Parramatta District.
Brian was looking forward to the start of the 2016 NRL season, where he supports South Sydney and the North Sydney Bears in the NSW Cup. We wished Brian a quick return to good health and presented him with a Men of League polo shirt and cap for which he thanked us for plus our visit and he wished the Men of League continued success in their activities.
By Ken Vessey
