
To say someone was 'much loved' may seem an over-used phrase, but in the case of Dr Mick Tierney, OAM, nothing is more appropriate.
Tierney didn't have an enemy in the world, despite having to navigate many difficult situations in his time as a rugby league administrator.
A Life Member of Brisbane Second Division (now called Rugby League Brisbane) and Brothers St Brendan's, Tierney died on January 20, aged 76.
Family, friends and colleagues gathered to celebrate his life at Holland Park last Friday.
Tierney graduated from the University of New South Wales in 1972 as a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), Animal Genetics, and his work in the advancement of animal breeding and genetics saw him travel extensively in South East Asia, assisting the primary industry sector, particularly in areas of tropical breeding systems.
Tierney was a quiet, modest man and chances are many people were unaware of his higher education honours and the esteem in which he was held in circles far removed from rugby league.
But the 13-man game was his first love, and he combined the promotion and administration of the code with travel as a fan, often seen in the company of his great mates from Brisbane Rugby League administration, the late Ted Beaumont, and Bill Hunter.
Tierney also developed a close relationship with Rugby League Immortal, Arthur Beetson, and travelled to Britain and France with Artie's supporters' tours.
Tierney was a long-serving ground announcer at Davies Park, West End, home ground of Souths Magpies. He would be on duty for the Queensland Cup, as well as University Rugby League's mid-week floodlit games.
But Tierney was best known for his work with the Second Division Rugby League administration, which governed a myriad of competitions across the Greater Brisbane Metropolitan area, and areas beyond, with teams from places such as Stradbroke Island, Samford, Deception Bay and Inala.
There were also Greek Orthodox, Christian and Muslim sides that came under the Second Division umbrella.
It was not always smooth sailing, with the Second Division having to deal with everything from judiciary matters to scheduling and grading dramas.
Tierney was always available to hear submissions from players, officials and fans, and was open in his dealings with the media.
He ensured the League always stood by referees, the people with the toughest job in the code, and often a thankless one.
Initially the secretary of the Second Division, Tierney then succeeded his great mate, Ted Beaumont as chairman.
Tierney retired from the role in 2014 after 38 years of service to the Second Division. He worked out that during those 38 years there had been 2,438 teams take the field; 97,000 player registrations and about 17,500 individual players registered.
In his final year as chairman there were 78 teams from 45 clubs, involving more than 3000 players.
There were also 14 women's teams, at time when the women's game was really beginning to take off. Tierney was always a strong advocate for women and girls playing the sport.
On Australia Day, 2016, Mick was honoured with an OAM for his services to rugby league, the community and primary industries.
Tierney also spent time at the University of NSW Research Station at Hay in the Riverina and played in the front row for the Hay Magpies.
Away from the unpredictable world of rugby league, Tierney also volunteered as a steward at the Ekka, where he assisted in running beef and dairy competitions for many years.