Shero, Souths and CYMS – Ron’s “holy trinity”
ONE of life’s champion blokes was surprised last Friday when over 100 friends gathered at the Castlereagh to wish Ron Sheridan a happy 90th birthday.
The likeable bloke has been with CYMS since the league club was formed in 1947.
Some would say the man who always wears his South Sydney cap with his green tracksuit or CYMS top could be called a Fishies Rabbitoh!
Sherro was surprised by the crowd who came to celebrate his birthday.
“I knew there was something on but I didn’t think it would be this big,” the quietly spoken champion smiled when he opened the doors into the Castlereagh Dining Room.
“Happy birthday dear Sherro” echoed through the pub that has become an all-time favourite for Dubbo CYMS club.
“The Castlereagh became our spiritual home after the old CYMS hall at the old De La Salle College on Fitzroy St was moved to build a new science block,” some of the Old Boys remarked.
Martin Cook led the tributes to a bloke “I have known all my life; Sherro’s known me for half of his”!
Martin walked us through a potted history of his mate who began his working life with former Mayor and Local member Les Ford – of L.H. Ford Bridge fame – at Skerman Motors on the corner of Macquarie and Wingewarra Streets.
“Sherro left when union officials informed him he was underpaid! Always a staunch Labor man, his love for the party was confirmed,” Martin shared with a laugh.
“But typical of Shero – never a bad word for anyone – he said Les Ford was a great bloke. Probably the best boss he ever had!”
Ron went from Skerman’s to Keady’s Dry Cleaning, where he worked alongside fellow CYMS identities John Butcherine and Bruce Ferguson (Chris’s dad).
He also worked alongside a professional boxer, Brian Mcquillan.
“Sherro used to stir him up and challenged the bigger Mcquillan to a round or two in Col Kirkness’s ring.”
The legend goes that after chasing Mcquillan around the canvas for a couple of rounds, the “little bloke” won. It was typical of the determination of the man who has always been a stickler for the underdog.
While he enjoyed Keady’s, Shero was lured to Fosseys as the only male on the staff, except for manager Tom Burrers.
“It was only a three month tenure because life was too boring for the always active Shero, who ventured onto the railway as a porter. He had ambitions of becoming a driver but had a run in with the boss of the Parcels Section and found a new home at Dawson’s Plasterworks,” Martin told the hushed gathering.
Shero enjoyed his time at Dawsons and forged plenty of lifelong friendships.
“He spent four years making ornate cornices until, unfortunately, his job became redundant with the invention of gyprock.”
When he left the Plasterworks,
Shero’s friend John Cook, an Inspectors Clerk, arranged a job at the police station. Cooky was playing with CYMS and had huge respect for the happy-go-lucky bloke who was always reaching out to others, and was delighted to see his mate spend the last 21 years of his working life as the station’s head cleaner.
However, John and Martin both blew the lid on a story that Shero became known by most on the force as “the Undercover Agent”!
“Shero has plenty of stories from his police station days, including the night he got locked up, as a joke, then forgotten about, by future Assistant Commissioner of Police, Peter Walsh.”
‘Walshy’ was one of the most popular and dedicated officers to have served in our community and typically recalled that “incident” in a few words played for the gathering.
Shero was working at the station when a prisoner who attempted to escape was shot. He had apparently wrested a pistol from the policeman inside the station and pointed it at a nightwatchman.
Shero was still at school when CYMS – the Catholic Young Men’s Society – entered a team in the local Saturday afternoon competition. Under the rules, he had to play with De La Salle juniors which were on Saturday mornings, but would be first at Barden Park, the showground or Victoria Park for the “Saturday arvo” games.
The local competition included teams like Abattoirs, Garden Hotel, Royals, Railway, North Dubbo and CYMS.
Shero has covered so many positions with his beloved Fishies – player, selector, mentor, consoler and team manager.
In his first year with CYMS, their second in the comp, he was part of the 1948 premiership-winning team. An edible photo of that side adorned the 90th birthday cake.
CYMS Premiers of 1948: Bob Lewis, L. Page, Bob Walsh (coach); Max Ryan, Ron Sheridan, Fred Dodd, John Dodd, “Mouse” Wallace, Ron Rich, G. Allen, Col Claridge, John “Bumper” Kennedy, Brian Piesley, Pat Mctiernan (Captain & Shero’s cousin), John “Crackles” Meredith, and Shero’s late brother, Vin.
“But Shero’s biggest contribution to the club has largely gone unnoticed. He has made countless donations – well above his means – to ensure the signature of many of CYMS’ greats. He has gone about his task quietly, not seeking anything other than a heartfelt thank-you. There are hundreds of people in our community who are in a better situation in their lives because of the generosity of this man,” Martin Cook said with a tear.
“Shero exemplifies loyalty, passion, honesty and reliability. He’s the best mate we all want and need. The roll up here today to celebrate another milestone is a testament to a great bloke, Ron Sheridan.”
Congratulations to a wonderful servant of our city who never forgets a friend in need.
Above:
The birthday cake and Ron Sheridan’s stages of emotion as he was surprised
Right:
Andrew Hamblin, Col Parkes, Mel Blackstock and Barry Hildebrandt