The Cootamundra and surrounding communities are in mourning this week with the sad news of the passing of David Sheridan who was originally from Eurongilly and living in the Toowoomba area.
David was a talented Rugby Union Outside Centre and was part of the 2006 premiership winning side.
The Times spoke with Mark Ward about David’s life and how he was a friend to all.
He said, “He was a gifted runner and one of those guys who played well above his weight.
“He was a set and forget sort of guy. He’d offer good advice, he’d sit back and often take things in and do what he said he was going to do and just went about his business. He was a terrific player to play with, but he was just a genuine top bloke off the field and he was fun to be around.
“No-one had a bad word to say about him and he enjoyed everyone’s company and they enjoyed his as he was easy going and could have a joke with anyone and have a joke on himself and quite often a joke on his brother.
“He predominantly played rugby. He was an Outside Centre. That year we were undefeated premiers. It was a great year for the club and one that he had a lot of impact on and his mum and dad too.
“There was a big support base that came in from Illabo and Eurongilly because there were half a dozen players from that region and they followed the team around every week. It was nice.
“David was a typical country bloke. He was a very good sheep farmer and he did things his own way and worked hard.
“David passed in tragic circumstances. I got a call on Sunday night from one of the other guys in the Illabo community and he wanted to let a few of the boys know.
“I spoke to Andrew on Monday and he said he was going up there today (Tuesday) with his brother to sort out funeral arrangements.
“A service will be held on Friday, 20th December.
“If people would like further details they can contact the Coota Rugby Club or contact myself on 0412 114 845.
“The family have flown up to be with Lucy and the children during this difficult time.”
David is survived by his wife Lucy and three sons, Olly, Billy and Ted, ages 12, 10 and 7; brothers Andrew and Tim and sister Kate, along with his parents Jane and Phil. David (43) was based at Toowoomba in Queensland and employed as a Rural Funds Manager, National cattle manager, managing one of the bigger cattle portfolios in Australia.
