Three Burnie Athletic Club members were recognised for their distinguished and long service at the Burnie New Year’s Ever Carnival on December 31 with life membership badges and certificates presented by Board Chair Joe Vaszocz and Burnie City Council Mayor Cr Teeny Brumby.
Denzil Munday, Des O’Shannessey and Gerard Leary were celebrated for a level of commitment which spans more than three decades each.
Though possibly less visible than other members, in his unobtrusive, quiet, but measured way, Des has been instrumental in a huge number of successful ventures and outcomes for the BAC, particularly from a cycling standpoint.
He served as a commissaire and assistant clerk of the course for cycling,and used his influence and standing in the cycling community to attract a host of elite cyclists to the carnivals over many years.
During Gerard’s 31 years with the club he has been pedestrian manager for 27 and Tasmanian Athletic League and Sports Carnival Association of Tasmania delegate for all that time.
This followed a 20-year stint as a competitor.
He has also served as a club vice-president and committee and a driving force behind the junior NuGen series.
Denzil had a distinguished career as a successful azeman before playing an instrumental role in ensuring the sport remained an integral part of the carnival, a role which continues until this day.
He also served as president of the BAC from 2002-2004
Mick Hardy – who like the other recipients has held a variety of roles during his time with the club but most notably by ensuring that the events ran according to the tight time schedule – was unable to attend on Wednesday due to a prior commitment and will be presented with his badge and certificate at a later date.
CAPTION: Board Chair Joe Vaszocz (third left) with life members (from left) Dezil Munday, Des O’Shannessey and Gerard Leary.