Yesterday we farewelled a wonderful lady, the publican of our local watering hole. We had some wild times in the back bar and beer garden at Mary's after many a rugby game in the 80's and 90's; win, lose or draw, the Wheatmen knew how to celebrate and commiserate (it was always the same - boat races, sing a song, have a party).
The eulogy (delivered by four people) was a fitting tribute to such a lady and Fr. John's homily was excellent. The cricket and touch associations formed a guard of honour; the rugby boys acted as pallbearers - Gibbo was extremely honoured to be asked to help carry Mary to her final resting place. Drew was one of four who represented the school.
The main funeral procession made its' way up the main street where shopowners and the public spilled onto the pavement to clap her as she went by. Along the road to the cemetery, people stopped their cars and got out to salute her; the workers at the local council depot and hospital all came out too.
We caught up with a lot of people from those years ago and after her burial we celebrated with a few drinks and tall stories and plenty of laughs at the showgrounds for a couple of hours.
Now an era in our town has ended; no more Happy Days, only memories - all good ones.
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