The Lismore community celebrated John McMahon's remarkable legacy yesterday by naming a grandstand in his honour at the newly refurbished Oakes Oval. Over 40 people attended a ceremony yesterday under hot sunny skies, including John's sons Paul, Terry, Michael and Brian.(From left: Paul, Terry, Michael and Brian McMahon. Photo: Steve Mackney)Locally, John McMahon dominated first-grade cricket in Lismore, playing 32 seasons, 18 for Marist Brothers and 14 for Western Districts in Sydney. He achieved more than 120 five-wicket hauls across his career. His commitment to local cricket was further exemplified by his roles as a coach and administrator, earning him life membership in several cricket organisations, including the Lismore District Cricket Association. Recognised for his contributions, he was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in 2008.Lismore City Mayor Steve Krieg reflected on John McMahon’s profound sporting impact.“John McMahon was more than a cricketing legend; he was a community pillar, and it is fitting that we are naming this grandstand in his honour, twelve months after he passed away,” he said.“His passion for the sport and dedication to mentoring others has left an indelible mark on Lismore. Naming a grandstand after him is a fitting tribute to a man who gave so much to our city and its people.“The naming of this grandstand in his honour means his contributions will continue to be celebrated by cricket enthusiasts and the broader Lismore community for years to come.”McMahon’s influence extended to his family, with three of his eight children—Terry, Brian and Michael—playing first-grade cricket in Sydney. Terry McMahon said naming a grandstand is a fantastic honour for his father and the family.“The naming of the Oakes Oval grandstand in Dad’s honour is a wonderful, lasting tribute that our family is incredibly proud of,” he said.“The recognition bestowed upon Dad for his contribution to cricket from numerous sporting bodies, the Lismore City Council, various dignitaries, and the local community is most humbling.”Brian McMahon told yesterday's gathering about John McMahon, the father."He taught us many things. I suppose the things that stick in my mind are at an early age, he taught us that when you're walking down the street, you say hello. You say g'day to someone. If they don't say g'day back, do it the next day, and then the next day after that. And Dad said, after the third time, they'll probably say g'day. So always do that."Shake hands firmly when you meet a person, look them in the eye and remember they're just as apprehensive about meeting you as you are about them. So look them in the eye, shake hands and say, pleased to meet you."And last but not least, I suppose, he said, when you're anywhere around a town, a small town, or anywhere in the city, and you see an old person, go up and chat to them for five or 10 minutes. It doesn't have to be about anything in particular. Have a chat to them, and just listen to them. That's five or 10 minutes out of your life, and it's made their day."The other thing he said to us ongoing, and he used to put it on Facebook, he was an advocate of Facebook, which most of us aren't. But he basically said Norco supported Lismore through the floods and historically over decades. And he said, always buy Norco milk all the time."Dad's cricketing career was vast. He loved Lismore. He migrated from Five Dock to basically Lismore, seasoned in Brisbane. We were fortunate enough to play at Oakes Oval a lot, which is great. We learned a lot from him. We could have learned a lot more, but we weren't as gifted as him. So that's the way it is."I know Dad would be very, very humbled and very proud about this tribute."Moving to Lismore in the mid-1950s to pursue a career in journalism, McMahon’s influence extended far beyond the newsroom. His left-arm wrist spin made him a formidable opponent on the field, earning him accolades in Sydney Grade Cricket with Balmain, two Sheffield Shield caps for Queensland and numerous representative honours. The tribute and the turnout reflected John's profound impact on cricket as a player, mentor and administrator in Lismore, the Northern Rivers and beyond.Former Australian Women's Cricket Captain and fellow icon Lyn Larsen remembered how John influenced her sporting life."I had some sessions with John. Early on, when I was about 14 or 15, we used to go over to the Italo club on a Sunday morning. John didn't try to really change anything. He just gave me some finer tips and encouraged me to continue with what I did, which was my own version of cricket."Anyone else would have said, oh, that's not right, or that's not right, or jeepers, you need some work. John just looked to hone the natural ability that I had. I was really grateful to him for that."That was the beginning of a lifelong friendship. He was such a gentle, caring man. Every time I saw John, it was always a warm, warm, exchange. And, to be in here (at Oakes Oval) with his name and Adam (Gilchrist), you can imagine that's pretty special."Brian McMahon told a similar story about another 14-year-old kid whose father brought him down to the nets so John could watch him bat."The kid batted in the nets for about half an hour. And the father said, What do you think, John? What do we need to change? What do we need to do? And Dad said, don't change a thing. This kid's got something. That kid was Adam Gilchrist."John McMahon's playing career began in Sydney in 1943 and spanned nearly seven decades. His last appearance on the field was in 2011, at the age of 79.Yesterday’s ceremony follows on from the opening of the Lyn Larsen stand in December last year. Adding to the excitement, it was announced that the newly developed complex between Oakes and Crozier Ovals will be named after Adam Gilchrist when he visits Lismore in February for the Legends of Cricket Twenty20 match.
