Another little snippet I came across this week - from The Weekly Times, the local newspaper of the Balmain/Ryde area. I remember Kay speaking about how much she enjoyed this.
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**Distance no hassle for “Tiger Gran” Kay**
THEY don’t come more loyal than ardent Balmain and Wests Tigers’ rugby league supporter Kay McNamara (pictured below) of Orange.
Whether it be a pre-season trial, competition fixture, club function or Junior League event you’ll find 67 year old Kay in attendance - rain, hail or shine.
Affectionately known as “Tiger Gran”, the much-travelled mother of three makes the 262km trek from the country town of Orange to Sydney on a regular basis to watch the Tigers in action.
Her love affair with the game dates back to the 1940s - a golden era for the Balmain club that yielded first grade premierships in 1944, 1946 and 1947 and featured legends in Joe Jorgenson, Tommy Bourke, Jack Spencer, Sid Ryan, Arthur Patton, Stan Ponchard, George Watt, Jack Hampstead, Pat Devery, Fred De Belin, Harry Bath, Hilton Kidd, Dave Parkinson and Bobby Lulham.
Kay grew up in Lilyfield Road (formerly Augustus Street) in Leichhardt and attended Orange Grove Public School.
She has vivid childhood memories of walking to Leichhardt Oval on match day along with her sister Irene and mother Stella Johnson to watch her beloved Tigers do battle in the NSWRL Sydney premiership.
In 1965 she moved to Orange but has maintained her devotion to the black and golds by regularly making a day trip to Tigers’ matches over the metropolitan area.
Ever since 1976, Kay has attended matches or club events religiously with either her sons Neil and Stuart or daughter Jillian - a remarkable effort.
Kay lists Balmain’s 1969 Grand Final win and Wests Tigers’ 2005 NRL premiership victory as special moments and travelling to England to watch the Tigers’ contest the World Club Challenge in early 2006 as a highlight.
She may have clocked up thousands of kilometres over the years but figures it is “all worthwhile.”
“I’ve made many life-long friends from the game that has given me so much enjoyment,” revealed Kay.
She is widely respected in rugby league circles and the Tigers’ players appreciate her valued support at all levels.
“Kay is a very special lady and we just marvel at her passion and tenacity to get to matches and club events and show that Tiger spirit,” said Balmain-Ryde Eastwood coach Paul Fletcher.
“She’s a gem and hopefully we can deliver some silverware for the likes of Kay and co to savour later this year.”
http://www.weeklytimes.com.au/2010/06_june/02_06_10/sports.html
