27/10/2025
Vale Michael O’Shaughnessy - The Godfather of Great Boulder
The club is saddened to advise the loss of iconic Life Member, Michael “Fox” O’Shaughnessy who passed away after a short illness on 22/10/25 surrounded by his loving family.
It is very rare that any individual could be regarded bigger than any club, however in this case it is unquestionable someone could be, when you consider the outstanding contribution Michael made to the Great Boulder Cricket Club.
Arriving in the region with his parents Tom (a former club President) and Lil from the Northern Goldfields town of Wiluna as an 18-year-old it was unimaginable the impact he would forge over a Gee Bee journey spanning 60 plus years.
His individual statistics speak for themselves
7 A Grade Premierships
157 A Grade Games
447 Wickets at 13.2
Included in those premierships some highlights for the fiery opening bowler were the inaugural 1963/64 flag, on top of that the distinction of Captain Coaching his beloved club to three successive titles from 1970 – 73 along with the clubs 1975-76 success he was the recipient of the coveted Cranston Medal.
Premiership success was enjoyed multiple times when bowling in tandem with his late brother and fellow life member Denis “Tree” O’Shaughnessy.
Michaels on field heroics where he inspired team mates to countless victories were complimented by his off-field involvement as an administrator. He served as President and held countless committee roles and was a driving force behind junior development where he excelled. His passion for teaching the skills and mentoring aspiring younger players of the game was second to none.
The GBCC was not the only beneficiary, as beyond club land Michaels’s contribution at EGCA association level was tireless and as such he is recognised with the highest individual player award named in his honour and again, he was the recipient of a life membership.
Such was Michael’s willingness to compete and desire to prove himself at a higher level, he impressed when trialling for and subsequently then recruited by Midland Guildford CC to play in the WACA competition, winning a First-Grade premiership along with an association bowling aggregate award where he captured 31 wickets at a remarkable average of 9.93. Michael was also bestowed with life membership at MGCC.
Fox was renowned for his fondness to consume unbelievable amounts of what he referred to as “the neck oil” so be assured we will raise a glass in your honour at club’s aptly named O’Shaughnessy Complex.
He had a way with words and his ex*****on of the English vocabulary were beyond belief at times for a lad raised in a remote country town and this complimented his ability to tell a good yarn or delivering a version of his favourite tunes in a sing along.
The Fox love for the Gee Bees never waivered and his frequent trips to Kalgoorlie will be fondly remembered no more than the recent 70th anniversary reunion dinner when he led the club’s life members in a stirring rendition of ‘We Are The Gee Bees’ .
Michael “ Fox” O’Shaughnessy you will be sadly missed, never forgotten and your legacy respected and all of Great Boulder extend our condolences and heartfelt sympathy to your family in particular wife Bev and children Kate, Emma and David.
Rest in Peace Fox – You are more than a legend you are an immortal 💙
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