Back row: W McGrath, H McIntyre, G Byrne (Com.), E Jackson (Com.), J Scully, F Gray Third row: J O’Meara, M Loughnane (Scorer), P Bourke, F Scully (Com.), J Loughnane, J Callinan (Com.), T McNamara (Com.) Second row: J Bourke, A Callinan (Hon. Sec.), F Burke (Capt), J Maloney (Vice-Capt), J Brown Front: P Russell, D Dixon Photo by A Marks & Co., Elgin St Carlton (not far from the Clyde!).
I’ve noticed some terrific photos on the website over the summer.
With the 2015 ICC World Cup finals about to start I thought I’d share a couple of versions of this cricket photo from long, long ago.
It’s obviously a studio shot, but I think it’s a beauty. As you can see it features the St Mary’s CYMS cricket team of 1901-02.
The family interest is that the captain is none other than my grandfather, Francis A Burke (1874-1947). That’s him in the centre with his hands resting on the bat handle – a proud skipper of a proud and formidable-looking team.
Unfortunately I can’t tell you anything about St Mary’s CYMS, other than that they would have played somewhere in Melbourne’s inner north. They may have represented St Mary’s North Melbourne, but I’m only guessing. My grandfather and dad lived in Brunswick for the majority of their lives up until the Second World War. Dad attended secondary school at St Joseph’s CBC North Melbourne, so maybe that’s a clue.
I’d be interested to know if any Almanackers have knowledge of the club and what became of it.
Back row: W McGrath, H McIntyre, G Byrne (Com.), E Jackson (Com.), J Scully, F Gray
Third row: J O’Meara, M Loughnane (Scorer), P Bourke, F Scully (Com.), J Loughnane, J Callinan (Com.), T McNamara (Com.)
Second row: J Bourke, A Callinan (Hon. Sec.), F Burke (Capt), J Maloney (Vice-Capt), J Brown
Front: P Russell, D Dixon
Photo by A Marks & Co., Elgin St Carlton (not far from the Clyde!).
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A great photo, Burkie. And obviously one with a real personal significance for you. Weren’t those old team photos something?
For many years there was a strong CYMS (Catholic Young Mens Society) comp in Melbourne, particularly in footy.
As you know, I am associated with Williamstown CYMS, and they played in the old CYMS comp until it became defunct in the early 70’s. There were teams such as Essendon CYMS, Coburg CYMS, Flemington CYMS etc etc and I am led to believe it was quite a strong comp. I believe that Willy CYs and Burnley CYMS Cricket club are the only CYMS Clubs left in Melbourne.
Smokie doesn’t mention that Williamstown CYMS represents St Mary’s!
A heat memorandum.
Smokie,don’t forget West ivanhoe CYMS,we had huge battles with Willy
Hi Smokie, Bob and snowy,
The CYMS comp certainly must have been something in its day. For young men, mainly but not exclusively catholic, it provided an opportunity to play footy and cricket with their mates and to meet others similarly minded. Lots of Irish involvement judging by the names above.
I’m still not sure which St Mary’s my grandfather’s team represented, though I’d be just about positive it wasn’t Williamstown. Somewhere not too far from Brunswick is the best I can come up with.
As far as Willy goes the family has strong links with St Mary’s in other ways. My wife Marj and I were married there and her uncle, Frank Finn, played many games of footy for Williamstown CYMS in the 1940’s and ’50’s. Frank is still going strong at 90!
Marj recalls that her father, Jack Liston, had an involvement with the Willy CY’s as well, perhaps mainly as a cricket umpire. Probably not the only member of the Liston clan to be associated with the club.
Wonder if any other Almanackers have family links to the 1901-02 St Mary’s team. There must be lots of descendants around the place.
Cheers, Burkie