Paddy Dunne wears his Powelltown By Kath Gannaway
A REPUTATION as the best finger relocator in the district is just one of Patrick “Paddy” Dunne’s claims to fame.
The Powelltown Football Club life member turns 90 today (Tuesday) and as always, football will play a big part in the conversation when family and friends gather to congratulate him.
Mr Dunne became involved with the club in 1952 after moving with his family from Yarram to Powelltown where he got work in the mill.
After playing a few games from the bench, Mr Dunne recalls with a grin, he traded his guernsey for a trainer’s towel.
“I thought to myself, there’s no future in this, I might as well do the rubbing down,” he added.
It was very likely one of the best decisions ever made at Powelltown.
Mr Dunne not only gave 40 years to the club as a trainer before retiring at 78, he has created a PFC dynasty, engendering a passion for the club in his family with sons and grandsons playing and seven “Dunne” family members recognised as life members.
He now has granddaughters as well playing netball for the club.
There was no formal training or accreditation when Mr Dunne started.
“You just done it,” he said.
And, he’s done it exceptionally well according to PFC former president Doug Cole who described Mr Dunne as the backbone of the club for many years.
“As a trainer he was excellent. He was always there, a true gentleman,” he said.
“His great attribute was he could put a dislocated finger back in a fraction of the time anyone else could; a bit of tape around the finger and the player could go on playing and never have any after-effects.
“He was an icon at the club when I arrived there in ‘71 and his status was well deserved,” Mr Cole said.
“When he retired we named the trainers’ room after him. We wanted him to know how much his contribution was appreciated.
“It’s great to still have him around at 90 to enjoy it.”
Looking back at such a great age, Mr Dunne says he has had some wonderful times involving family and footy.
He has lined up over the years with many of Powelltown’s premiership teams, seen some of the great local players – he rates Steve Darwall and Colin Fitzgerald as the best Powelly players he worked with, and had the honour of having the trainers’ room named after him.
“That was beautiful … a great honour,” he nods quietly looking up at the plaque.
But, 2007 will be a year he won’t forget in a hurry either.
Mr Dunne has been nominated for the inaugural Telstra Country Footy Legend Award, a celebration of 80 years of country football, which aims to recognise the real legends behind the country clubs.
And, he met the man he rates as THE football great – Ron Barassi.
As a Melbourne supporter shaking hands with Barassi when he visited the club a couple of months ago was an unforgettable thrill.
Turning 90 certainly tops off a great year for Paddy Dunne.
