In our 25 years, the Nashville Kangaroos have grown an immense family of players, officials, and supporters. Many exceptional characters have passed through our ranks, and this week we lost one of the best. Shane Clohesy has unfortunately passed away.

Shane started with the Kangaroos back in 1999 and his garrulous character shone through immediately. Commentating our games was a perfect fit, something that, at the time was unheard of in our sport.

I still remember my first game back in 2000 with Shane on the microphone. At the time, I didn’t think much of it, but looking back, I can appreciate the innovative and creative commentary he brought to our games. He had a knack for keeping supporters engaged in the game with Aussie slang, funny tales, and a nickname for everyone and everything, all while explaining the game and its rules to newcomers. ‘That was a Barry Crocker’ (Meaning Shocker) being one of my favorites!

He truly loved the game of Aussie Rules Football, knew much of its history, and was always up for a chat about it. Some of his post-game function speeches on the subject were priceless! He was also an avid Collingwood Magpies supporter.

Shane proposed taking commentary to the National Championship tournaments. The newly dubbed “Mouth of the South” called the games starting in 2001. The success was immediate, and it has been the standard ever since, and not only for the Nationals, but for regional tournaments as well. That is all due to the foresight and clever thinking of Shane.

Keeping a club running requires an immense amount of work and time, and being a true clubman, Shane did way more than just show up on game day to share his witticisms with the crowd during Kangaroo home games. He was part of the Board of Directors (2000-2003 and 2005-2007), served as second club President (2001-2003), and was an integral part of the Australian Festival Committee (2000-2004). His unswerving dedication to the club was recognized when he was honored as the 2001 Best Clubman.

The Nashville Kangaroos club mission includes the promotion of Australian-US relations through the playing of sports. The Kangaroos accomplish this in multiple ways: primarily through playing Aussie Rules Football and Netball, but also through School Programs.

• Shane played for the Kangaroos on several occasions (after all, when white line fever strikes you never truly recover!)

• Shane was part of the Kangaroos board that promoted the launch of the Kangaroos Netball team (which won the Netball America Mixed Division US Open title in 2010). He was firm believer in the promotion of sport to everyone.

• Shane was one of the founders of the Kangaroos Schools Program, G’Day Y’All, which sent local Aussies to the local schools to talk about Australia, typically part of a school’s ‘world education’ festival helping children learn about cultures around the world.

• ANZACC – Shane was a founder of the club’s ANZACC arm (America-New Zealand- Australia Chamber of Commerce) which helped spread the mission of the Nashville Kangaroos to local businesses.

In 2008, Shane was part of the second class of Kangaroos inducted into the Nashville Kangaroos Hall of Fame.

You will be sorely missed by all you have touched, Shane. And our games will never be quite the same without your commentary echoing through Elmington Park and entertaining the Kangaroo faithful. Go in peace, brother.

Shane is survived by his wife, Kristina, his 2 Boys, Jim, Eoin, and their families. Per his wishes there will not be a funeral.

 

SHANE” MOUTH OF THE SOUTH” CLOHESY, 1961 – 2003

Club President – 2001, 2002, 2003

Club Board Member – 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007

Australian Festival Committee – 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004

Best Clubman – 2001

Hall of Fame – 2008