Leonard family and the Newtown Blues

A great little piece from the 1984 files and the Leonard family

‘Over the past 60 years the Leonard family has played an important part in the progress and success of the Newtown Blues. It all began away back in 1924 when Bill Leonard became the driving force behind the then young Blues club. Bill who played his football with the Rangers had five sons, namely, Matty Johnnie, Willie, Peter and Mick, footballers all.

‘Matty is remembered as an outstanding right half back with the speed of a greyhound. Johnny, a gentleman on and off the field, a brilliant corner forward and an opportunist supreme and Willie, a courageous and dependable goalkeeper. All three line out together and won every honour in the game.

‘ Then along came Peter but after showing great promise as a minor emigrated and his talent was lost to the club. Mick, the youngest of the clan was also a class player but unfortunately when he was at his peak the Blues were out of existence. But when the club was re-organised in 1948 Mick was first to answer the call.

‘ The five brothers now all sadly departed gave between them a quarter of a century of loyal service on the field of play to the club.

‘For the next 30 years the name was carried on by John Tony, and Paddy Leonard and their cousins Tony and Davy Byrne, the latter still turns out with our junior side and there is still more to come. Something that would make Bill Leonard a very proud man if he was alive today.

‘ The Leonards were always true Blues and a credit to the club and the area they represented. Their name must hold an honoured place in the history book of the Newtown Blues.’

Well done to all those volunteers in estates around the region who have gone out and did their bit to keep the place neat and tidy. Some estates have great entrances, bedecked with seats and stones. Others are not so vast but in their own way, effective. The splash of colour at the Newfield stone is wonderful.