MEL Brosnan has a stare. That stare can change quickly to an icy-blue glare and that is what happened when I made an uninvited entrance at the big man’s West Street Lane insurance office a few weeks ago chasing this story.
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I stood without making an impression after more than 30 years; this wasn’t surprising because it’s normally “Bros” who makes an indelible impression on people, so before I caved in to the stare-glare treatment, I quickly introduced myself.
Recognition!
Glare and stare were replaced by a smile and a “what do YOU want” welcome.
Just like old times. All was good.
My recollections of Mel Brosnan are essentially those of the footballer – and he was one heck of a rugby league player.
There was the burning passion and pride during his playing days and that hasn’t diminished in his senior years.
Rugby league is in his DNA.
“Bros” joined Brothers club in Mount Isa, and was in the team that played the touring French side at Kruttschnitt Oval, alongside Glen Brown, who is the only other person from the May 1964 game still living in Mount Isa.
He also played against Great Britain and remains a proud member of Mount Isa’s first victorious Foley Shield team in 1969.
He played many Foley Shield games in Mount Isa’s halcyon days and also for North Queensland and was named in the Mount Isa Legends of League team alongside some of his previous team members and opposition players.
Representing Mount Isa was always a source of great pride.
‘‘I can recall footballers who never actually made the Foley Shield teams who would pack their football bags and turn up at the airport, just in case one of the team didn’t turn up,’’ he said.
‘‘That’s how keen the competition was to actually make the Isa rep side. Sadly, that hasn’t been the case for some years now.
‘‘Twelve-hour shifts and general apathy have caused the demise of Mount Isa’s participation in Foley Shield, which is a great shame for our up and coming junior players.’’
A career in life insurance after leaving the police force has brought Mel Brosnan many accolades and a good life. Cherry, wife to Mel for 47 years and “matriarch” of the Brosnan clan, talks proudly of family.
“We are very family oriented people and I think that perhaps our greatest achievement as we look back over the past 47 years of happily married life are our five children, their partners and the fact that we have been gifted with 14 beautiful grandchildren with number 15 coming up in May. Mount Isa has been a wonderful place to call home over the past 50 years,” Mrs Brosnan says.
Mel Brosnan has always been his own man, that’s why his approach to helping community is different.
He has never been a member of any service club, preferring instead to contribute quietly.
“I’ve always involved myself in children’s sports and various schools and the Good Shepherd Church,” he said, and insists that a mere nod from the pulpit from Father Mick (Lowcock) means he is being summoned for community work.
“Let me tell you, once Father Mick gets you in his clutches there’s no end to community work,” he said tongue-in-cheek.
“I still work the ham wheel at local fetes, years after my youngest daughter Kamrynn left St Kieran’s School.”
JW: ‘‘One last question, Bros. How do you describe yourself?’’
MB: ‘‘What you see is what you get, mate. I call a spade a spade, you should know that. I’m a very proud Isan who has no intention of leaving.’’
JW: ‘‘Stick around, mate.’’
This city needs Mel Brosnans.
