PHOTO: Kerry Hanigan supported by her children Angela, George, Elle and Sally.
Three tough matches of rugby union were played out between arch rivals Coonamble and Walgett on Saturday 22 June, but the day wasn’t all about the game.
Hundreds of people rugged up and headed to the Coonamble sportsground in support of Coonamble’s first Bring a Mate to the Footy Day.
“The Coonamble Rams wanted to do something as a tribute to Brian Hanigan that was big enough for the man that he was,” Coonamble Rams president Rodney Pitman said.
“We consulted with the Hanigan family to work out the day and came up with Bring a Mate to the Footy – which ended up being perfect.”
Past and present Coonamble Rams players and supporters, family and friends of Brian Hanigan, and a huge Walgett contingent turned out for the occasion.
After the Second Grade local Rams gave Walgett a trim (19-14) and Coonamble’s Lady Rams were shorn by the Walgett Ewes (19-0) there was a break in the rugby to focus on the purpose of the day – to honour Brian Hanigan – a good man, a talented player and passionate Rams supporter who lost his life through suicide on 6 September 2023.
Commentator and master of ceremonies Alexander Deans called the crowd to order. The men’s and women’s sides assembled and the spectators hushed to hear a speech by Brian Hanigan’s widow Kerry.
“1956 was a very good year,” she said. “It was a good season with over 700 millimetres (28″ back then), the Coonamble Rugby Football Club was established and, most importantly on 10th August Brian Hanigan was born.”
“Brian loved playing for the Coonamble Rams – playing in the front row, in his view the best place to be – and number 3 at that.”
Kerry spoke of Brian’s sportsmanship and love for rugby.
“He enjoyed playing against the Walgett Rams,” she said. “He especially enjoyed beating the Walgett Rams – but if beaten by Walgett or any team, as long as it was a good fair game he was happy.
“The quote “if you win say nothing, if you lose say less” comes to mind when thinking of Brian.”
A minute’s silence was observed, followed by a punishing first grade match with Walgett trouncing Coonamble 65 to 5. Brian may not have been happy with the result but he would have appreciated the spirit of the game and of the day which brought mates and families together for an extended mix and mingle. The crowd transferred to the Coonamble Golf Club where presentations of the inaugural Brian Hanigan medals were made.
The winners were:
Women – Anna Newstead (Cble), Emma Pye (Walgett)
Second Grade – Alex Burnheim (Cble), Charlie McGrath (Walgett)
First Grade – Sandy Pye (Cble), Ed Murphy (Walgett)
The Coonamble Rams acknowledged the massive turnout from Walgett, many of whom booked rooms and stayed the night.
“Walgett were a huge part of it and there was immense Coonamble support, which made the day as big as it was,” Rodney said.
“It was so good to see so many old Rams and friends of Brian come along.
“It was one of the biggest non-final days the Rams have ever hosted.”
Plans are now underway to make the Bring a Mate to the Footy Day an annual event when Coonamble have a home game clash with Walgett.