STORY 3
No worries mate – of course we’ll help
David Shipway AM, or “Shippy”, managing director of BL Shipway (Ramsey Bros supplier) and “Godfather” of South Australian football loves rural life, football, family business and a great yarn. He shared this one with us.
Legendary Eyre Peninsula football stalwart, Don McSweeny OAM, was nervous. In fact, he was very nervous. He had a job to do and he had one small window of opportunity to make it happen.
Some twenty plus years ago, back in the 1990s, football on the Eyre Peninsula was looking a bit shaky and desperately needed some financial support.
Don, born and bred in Cummins, was the local league administrator, and he knew it was time to have a chat with one of the region’s most respected local companies. He asked his good mate, David “Shippy” Shipway, to make the introductions to the Ramsey Bros family.
Understanding farming and footy, Shippy organised for Don to attend the Kimba Cup at Port Lincoln where Ramsey Bros was sponsoring the race day and hosting clients from across the region.
As the horses galloped around the track, a similar race was taking place inside the clubroom as Don tried to “collar” one of the Ramsey Bros to passionately pitch his case about supporting the Eyre Peninsula football league.
As the day wore on, the hospitality flowed freely, and Don bided his time between drinks waiting like a game of cat and mouse. Late in the afternoon, Don finally pounced and began explaining his request to one of the Ramsey Bros team.
But just as soon as he started, the host was whisked away, and the moment was lost.
Another glass of wine as the final raced was called, and Don had all but given up hope when he seized the opportunity to give it one almighty last go.
Hands shaking, brow sweating, swaying ever so slightly from emotion as much as anything, he opened his mouth to speak, when a hand patted his shoulder.
“No worries mate,” Don was told with a reassuring nod. “Of course, we’ll help. We’d already decided to do it.”
The deal was sealed. The sponsorship sorted. The football league’s immediate future was secured just like that. No fuss, no fanfare.
Poor Don was left completely speechless, and a little worse for wear… but with a smile as wide as a 40ft front!
Don and his wife Eileen McSweeny are no longer with us but their contribution to country football in South Australia will remain.
