Wellington sportsman and administrator Bob O’Brien who passed away on Tuesday 1^st December demonstrated club loyalty throughout his lifetime.

In his days of sport commencing from the war years of the early 1940’s the seasons of summer (cricket) and football (winter) rarely crossed over. These were to become Bob’s two main sports of participation.

Bob was inspired by excellent coaches during his primary school era in both sports gaining selection in representative junior teams and played first X1 cricket and football at Rongotai College

On leaving Rongotai Bob returned to Seatoun Football Club where he had commenced as a 6 year old. His overall 50 year playing and administrative role with that club involved first team football through to the early 70’s, coaching/playing through the 60’s, secretary for in excess of 30 years, life membership recognition and became patron of the club.

Through Bob’s association with fellow Rongotai pupils he joined the Midland Cricket Club where he played throughout his career most of which was in the senior team.

Qualification in the teaching profession saw Bob return to Rongotai College in the 50’s where the college built up a fine record under his coaching winning Wellington Secondary School Championships as well as being Master in Charge of Football.  All of this while being a member of the successful Seatoun senior side that went on to win the Wellington Championship Venus Shield and Chatham Cup double in the 1957 and 58 years. Pre 1970 the Chatham Cup winners were the National Club Champions of New Zealand football.

Bob was recognised by the Seatoun Club and the entire central region of New Zealand football when in 1991 the club commissioned the O’Brien Shield in recognition of his long service to Wellington soccer. Bob’s involvement with local association affairs began with tram rides with his great mate Trevor Rigby to junior management meetings where their role included the weekly match draw and concluded in the 80’s as president of the Wellington Soccer Association (now Capital Football).

This year the shield played for at Central League level passed 300 challenges since inception in the 1992 season.

Article added: Monday 07 December 2020