Denis Meaney

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Denis James Meaney (1 October 1936 – 25 July 2011)[1] was a professional Australian rugby league footballer who played in the 1950s and 1960s.

Denis Meaney
Personal information
Full nameDenis James Meaney
Born1 October 1936
Manly, New South Wales
Died25 July 2011(2011-07-25) (aged 74)
Ballina, New South Wales
Playing information
Club
Years Team Pld T G FG P
1957–59 Manly-Warringah 41 6 0 0 18
1960–66 Western Suburbs 131 12 1 0 38
Total 172 18 1 0 56
Source: Whiticker/Hudson

Born at Manly, New South Wales in 1936, Meaney began his first grade rugby league career at Manly in 1957. He played three seasons for Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles between 1957–1959, playing alongside internationals such as Roy Bull and Rex Mossop. He then played seven seasons for the Western Suburbs Magpies including 135 first grade games between 1960–1966, often playing alongside legendary forwards such as Noel Kelly, Kel O'Shea, Jack Gibson and Jim Cody. He played prop-forward for his whole career and will be remembered as one of the toughest forwards of his era.[2] He played in three losing grand finals: 1957, 1962, and 1963.[3]

He represented New South Wales rugby league team Colts in 1958 against Great Britain but was not selected on the Kangaroo Tour. He also played for N.S.W. City Firsts in 1961. His long NSWRFL career came to a close in 1967, although he later went on to become a Country NSWRL selector for 17 years and a successful rugby league coach at Lismore Marist Brothers, who he coached to the Clayton Cup in 1987.[4]

He retired to Ballina, New South Wales until his death in 2011, age 74.[5] The Ballina Seagulls play Lismore Marist Brothers annually for the Denis Meaney Shield, which was named in his honour in 2010.[6]

He is the grandfather of current Melbourne Storm player Nick Meaney.

References

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  1. ^ "Magpies Mourn the Passing of Denis Meaney". weststigers.com.au. 28 July 2011. Retrieved 9 August 2011.
  2. ^ "Men of League legend Denis Meaney". Men of League (42): 19. December 2010. Archived from the original on 3 October 2011. Retrieved 22 May 2011.
  3. ^ "Home". rugbyleagueproject.org.
  4. ^ Alan Whiticker: Encyclopedia of Rugby League players, 1996 Edtn.
  5. ^ Northern Star Lismore: Death and Funeral notice 28/07/2011
  6. ^ Craig, Mitchell (28 June 2011). "Kelly takes credit". northernstar.com.au. Retrieved 1 September 2014.