On
November 24, 2000, Great Boulder president Ian Dunstan had the distinction
of unveiling the club's new social facility located alongside the Goldfields'
premier sporting venue the Sir Richard Moore Sports Centre.
Great Boulder honoured the club's most esteemed family by naming the new
clubrooms the “O’Shaughnessy Complex”. In attendance
to accept the accolade was club legend Michael O’Shaughnessy and
his wife Bev.
On hand to enjoy the opening were many Gee Bees, both past and present,
and all were suitably impressed when the club showcased the amenities.
Inside the O’Shaughnessy complex features include the Life Members
Bar, Legends Wall, Premiership Wall and various other memorabilia that
pays tribute to players and members of the Gee Bees.
The
clubrooms project had been a vision for many a long year. Under the leadership
of Dunstan and with the enthusiasm of his fellow committee the dream was
about to become a reality.
The Project Committee consisting of Ian Dunstan, Dean Jerrard, Kody Kelman,
Craig Jackson, Brent Hunt, Geoff Noonan, Greg Bond and Andrew Hoare raised
funds and purchased the building on the recommendation of life member
Tony Patrizi and the battle began to transform the building into what
it is today. Club life members Noel Jerrard and Brian Thomas were instrumental
in the renovation process and undoubtedly their tireless efforts were
the major reason the project became a reality.
Both men spent countless hours revamping and refurbishing the building
and, as one would expect, never a negative word was uttered as they toiled
to achieve the end result.
The club also called upon the services of club supporters in Centenary
Painting Contractors, Tom Mullins and Eric Emerson - all of whom generously
contributed in the painting process of the complex.
The club is very proud of its headquarters and the air conditioned clubrooms
include a fully maintained bar, kitchen, office and toilet.
The traditional hot summer nights are also catered for with the club having
an excellent outdoor entertainment area which features an undercover pergola
complete with bbq’s and gas ovens. These outstanding facilities
are the benchmark for cricket clubs in the region and provide an excellent
environment for past, present and future Gee Bees.
It is fitting that a renowned Gee Bee family has this complex named in
its honour and furthermore it is situated only a stone's throw away from
a previous Gee Bee stomping ground - the legendary “tin shed”
adjacent to the famous Piccadilly Hotel.
During the season of 2014 the club through the generous sponsorship of Kalgoorlie Metro Property Group upgraded its infrastructure by constructing a new patio and verandah area as an addition to the existing clubroom facility. Life member Brett Crook unveiled the “Jerrard Entertainment Area” to its members in the presence of father and son combination and fellow Life members Noel and Dean Jerrard in recognition of the family’s contribution to the club over many decades.
The club has been very proactive and improved its infrastructure with a dedicated commitment in recent years particularly during the decade 2010-20. Some of the major projects have included the installation of new synthetic grass in the practice nets (laid by club sponsor and past player Chris Hicks) this was possible via a grant received by Cricket Australia in conjunction with the WACA that was a reward for the clubs ongoing commitment to its junior cricket development programs for both boys and girls. Assistance financially has also been provided by the regular two games permitted by RGL and held in conjunction with long time club members the Sheehan family. The introduction of lighting to allow players the opportunity to enjoy night training in the practice area now provides the club with facilities that are second to no other club in Regional WA. Upon completion of the nets upgrade the club formerly acknowledged club legend and games record holder Todd Altus by naming the area in his honour, a fitting tribute to his record breaking career and contribution to the club and Goldfields cricket. Both the interior and exterior of the complex have had significant improvements including new floor coverings, bar area extension, construction of an outside ablution and office/kitchen improvements that provide all members with a facility that is first class.
The O'Shaughnessy Family
In
the proud history of the mighty Great Boulder Cricket Club one family
name stands out like a beacon, that of O'Shaughnessy. Cricketing brothers Michael (the Fox) & Denis (Tree) O’Shaughnessy
have been outstanding servants of the Gee Bees both on and off the field.
The two were introduced to the GBCC through their father Tom, a former
president and well respected coach of young cricketers Tom's wife Lil & Mike's wife Bev were also valuable contributors on
the social scene for the Gee Bee’s. Fox & Tree have both been
instrumental in the development of young cricketers and have had enormous
input off the field. Both are also esteemed life members.
Both represented the EGCA with great distinction, with Michael also winning
the leading WACA Bowling award while representing the Midland Guildford
Cricket Club.
As for their contribution as players, their records below speak for themselves.
Michael: 157 games - 477 wickets at 13.2 (seven A grade premierships)
Denis: 181 games - 363 wickets at 17.7 (six A grade premierships)