When the final siren went on Saturday and Devon Meadows were crowned MPFNL Division 2 premiers, there were fewer happier to see the Panthers hoist the cup than club legend Helen Flanigan.
But not only did she see the club she loves so much raise the silverware to the sky, she got to do it too.
Flanigan got to present the cup after Saturday’s grand final after all her years of service to the Devon Meadows Football Netball Club.
Flanigan has been a stalwart at Devon Meadows since her late husband Rob and his father Ted founded the senior club in 1977 along with Ray Vivian and Bill Glover.
Over the years she’s been involved heavily, including managing the canteen, bar, sponsorships and cleaning whilst being wife to the president.
But there was only one thing that was missing throughout that time; a senior flag.
That was until Saturday, when the Panthers tasted the ultimate glory for the first time in their history.
“It was incredible,” Flanigan said on seeing the club win.
“It feels like an achievement after all the hours everyone’s put in, it’s very special.
“I was emotional, I was just thinking of all the founders who aren’t here any more.
“They gave us a bit of luck on the day, they were shining down on us.
“There’s been a lot of input in, a lot of hard work.
“When we started off our change rooms were a portable work shed and we had a tin shed as the social room.”
A few years ago, Flanigan had a brief hiatus from being a key member of the club’s operations when she moved to a property in Moama, but that didn’t last long before then-President Barry Parsons asked her to be the treasurer for “just one year”.
Fast forward seven years later, and Flanigan is still the club treasurer and she was recognised for her services by presenting the cup.
“It was truly amazing, I’m very honoured,” she said on presenting.
“I feel totally privileged to have the chance to do that.”
Outgoing senior coach Ryan Hendy did not understate the impact she’s had at Devon Meadows.
“Her and her husband have done so much work for the club when it was formed and she has been around ever since,” he said.
“To see the joy on her face when she got to hold up the cup was a memory that I will never forget.
“She has done nearly every role at the footy club and has always been there to help pull a few of the boys in line.
“She has such an impact on the footy club and probably doesn’t realise as much as she should.
“Everyone at the club values her so much and she has worked endlessly to finally get her dream that she has been chasing at the footy club which is so special.”
