Allora dairy farmer Peter Cavanagh devoted a large portion of his 77 years to rugby league on the Darling Downs.
Cavanagh, who passed away on June 12 aged 77, was respected and admired by the likes of legendary coach Wayne Bennett and Broncos hard man, Shane Webcke, both products of rugby league on the Downs with Bennett also hailing from Allora.
Players from Wattles and Warwick Cowboys wore black arm arms as a mark respect for Cavanagh when they met the day after his passing.
Peter was a Life Member of the Wattles club, which has its base in and around the towns of Allora and Clifton.
He also was a Life Member of the Warwick and District Junior Rugby League and the former South West Division of the QRL.
Cavanagh was just 16 when the Warwick and District League was formed. He started his football life as a player but at 21 took up refereeing.
In his decades of devotion to the code, Cavanagh was a player, referee, coach and administrator; spending 30 years as Chairman of Warwick and District, in three separate reigns.
Webcke was one of many players to come under his influence when Cavanagh was coaching.
In his young days Cavanagh sought the advice of legendary forward Herb Steinohrt, who played 51 matches for Queensland between 1925 and 1933 and nine Tests for Australia, all from either Warra near Dalby, or the Toowoomba Valleys club.
Peter Cavanagh was a true Allora legend and a wonderful example of the spirit of the volunteers who keep the wheels turning in the Queensland Rugby League.
His funeral will be held in St Patrick's Catholic Church, Allora at 10.30am on July 7.
