From the boundary – September 29, 2026

FROM A STUDENT’S DIARY

Another year is racing by – they seem to fly ever faster. Below is the diary of an ACK student detailing life at college back in 1959.

SEPTEMBER

Monday, 12th – The halls of learning open their doors once more to the eager throng. The Special, unnecessarily enthusiastic, pulls in a couple of minutes early.

Sunday, 18th – Br Augustine leads the volunteer cross-country expedition to Darraweit. After fording or swimming the swollen frigid creek, the participants return by truck. Barney: Neill gets threequarters of the way there, decides he can’t go the full distance, turns round and runs home.

Monday, 26th – Eyes goggle and ears flap at the information gained at today’s assembly. Apparently gargantuan thirsts are being quenched on proportional lines. ‘If you want a drink’ says Br Domnus, ‘don’t use the fire hydrant’.

Wednesday, 28th – Rafferty’s rules prevail in the House Sprint eliminations. The stewards hold numerous enquiries as well-known speedsters finish well back in the field.

OCTOBER

Friday, 14th – Rival cheer squads make the quadrangle echo as a big handball game gets under way. Featonby is narrowly defeated by Carboni.

Wednesday, 19th – Some of the big name cricketers of the Juvenile Division are becoming overwrought. When the opposition scores 150, Sebastian’s skipper goes away and sulks. William’s captain is suspended after bowling all day from one end and abusing his fielders.

Thursday, 20th – October tests over, Seniors have an afternoon in the bush. Someone’s high jump record was spoilt by some, as were his trousers.

Saturday, 22nd – Juniors spend the afternoon carting wood from the top paddock, volunteers, of course . . . Only one class turns up at the beginning of pictures this evening.

Monday, 24th – ’Twas in a restaurant they met,

One Romeo and Juliet;

‘Twas there he first got into debt, For Romeo’d what Juliet.’

We hope Jack Gattoma had a good time last night.

Monday, 31st – Returning from devotions, Br Liguori and Br Jordan show a remarkable turn of speed when they see a conflagration in the change sheds boiler-room. The explanation is simple – the globe has burnt out and Michael Sutton lights a fire on the floor to find his shorts.

***

Nearly three generations ago-and a different world, in ways a tough one at times but one where youngsters learnt to be resilient, unselfish and to work hard. Today we may have progresses in many ways but much has been lost and so much value has been lost, probably never to return.

JENNI CONTINUES

The remarkable “Pride of Jenni” seems to be defying age and owner Tony Ottobre is delighted with its September trials and hoping for further success. Named after Tony and Lynn’s daughter Jenni who lost a really tough cancer battle shortly after her wedding – POJ has its own website and a huge following – even in Japan. Tony and Lynn Ottobre are truly fine people-right up there with the best. Tony is of Italian background, and Lynn grew up in England.



Tony recalls his Assumption days fondly, – “tough at times but values and spirit that set you up for the challenges of life”. He speaks highly of Italian Prime Minister Georgia Meloni who is rated as one of the world’s finest leaders.

A MEMORABLE DAY

It was 40 years ago last Saturday when former ACK student Michael Reeves had an unforgettable day. Playing for Fitzroy he was knocked out mid game then frantically revived and taken by Channel 7 helicopter to his 6pm wedding to marry former Moomba Queen Kim Formosa. The couple have just celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary. Michael, a retired police officer played for Assumption in the mid seventies’ champion teams. His dad John had also attended ACK from where he progressed to play over 100 games with Fitzroy and North Melbourne and represented Victoria.

VALE JOHN HENNESY

The life of highly respected Pyalong resident John Hennesy was tributed by a large crowd last week at Pyalong Community Hall. John grew up in Ballarat and after college became a fine schoolteacher before embarking on life as a bookmaker who revelled in the country race meetings and the rural crowds. Many came from far away to the service most notably, John’s sister Joan Moloney, her son and grandson from Brisbane. Joan for some years had been Mayor of Longreach in Queensland. John Scott conducted proceedings splendidly. Reflections on John’s life were recalled by his sister also son Tom, wife Leone, and longtime work colleagues Bruce Millard and Peter Davis. Leone spoke superbly of the life and times of her late husband, as did son Tom who was Dux of Assumption in 2009 and a member of the 2008 and 2009 premiership XIs. He is a valued member of the Ernst and Young Associates in the city. Leone (nee Ryan) was a renowned sculptor in earlier years then a very well regarded cattle farmer. She, Tom and Tom’s partner Monique were responsible for the excellent display of mementoes.

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A visual tribute to John’s life was screened to the stirring music of “The Fields of Athenry” and “Maggie” – tunes remembered by former students as I played them in the rooms before football games.

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Leone in her eulogy paid tribute to “wonderful staff at Caladenia” in the final years of John’s life.

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Pyalong is a close-knit village with a loyal community. It retains a store, pub, school and has a fine police officer in Daniel Sowden who at college captained the First XI and still plays cricket for Pyalong.

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Among the many at the service were area names that resonate down the generations – Ryan, Kelly, Chisholm, Rice, Connors and Coomans.