Honouring a legend of our game: Brian McMahon

Brian McMahon has become part of the very fabric that is TRL. A legend of the game both as a Venue Manager and referee, he has now been involved with TRL for 15 years. But where did it all start and how did we get here?

It was early on a Saturday morning in January 2008 that I met Brian McMahon. He had seen an article about TRL in the local rag – the Westside News – and had sent through an email to me asking to get involved as a referee. Up until that point in time, TRL had been largely refereed by players looking for some additional side income so Brian’s email was very much a welcome approach. He had refereed and officiated Rugby League for 20+ years as well as Oztag (both in Brisbane and abroad) and when I asked him to blow his whistle (always a good indicator of someone’s refereeing credibility) I was genuinely overawed. Still to this day, few referees can match Brian in this department. [Pictured below – Tim Swan (left), Brian McMahon (centre) and Tom Longworth (right)].

Following our training, Brian commenced in 2008 as a referee in our Sunday competition and as we grew from those humble beginnings, so did Brian’s weekly TRL refereeing load. Quite quickly he was refereeing several nights a week and from that early point in time, became a cult-figure out on the field. In 2013 he began to get involved with Venue Management and has surpassed his on-field prowess with an even more significant profile as a Venue Manager – particularly in the South Brisbane region. There are instagram accounts dedicated to him such is the love for Brian McMahon. [Pictured below – Brian McMahon with some of the South Brisbane faithful, notably Anna Huynh (second from left) and Jayne Le (far right)].

As I pen this ode, Brian has now been with TRL for 15 years and has made an indelible impression on the game. He has genuinely help build what TRL is today – whether that has been through mentoring referees or making his venues a place where people genuinely want to hang out and socialise. Brian is a man of immense integrity and whom has a generosity of spirit which has helped enable TRL to grow and become a community so many people love and enjoy.

I caught up with the great man to find out a bit more about what TRL means to him:

TL: What do you love most about TRL?

BM: Having refereed virtually all forms of contact and non-contact footy, the things that specifically drew me to TRL, and what sets TRL above the others is the game’s commitment to the values of inclusion and respect for all involved. Whilst most sports espouse these values, TRL lives and breathes them.

TL: What is the most important role you play at TRL?

BM: The greatest pleasure I get from TRL is to play my part in developing players to look beyond the on-field score and look to develop players life value system. Long after the full hooter is blown and the score is forgotten, you are left with your values.

TL: What is your fondest memory as a referee?

BM: My fondest memories refereeing are not the high level fast and furious games, but more the mixed lowest division matches. These games are the heart and soul of TRL, where players are there to have fun. As a referee, I have helped lots of players simply have fun.

TL: What is your fondest memory as a Venue Manager?

BM: As a VM, my greatest pleasure comes from helping teams that have been copping a thrashing week in week out, form into a team that wins their first game. It is a thrill to think that you’ve played your part in that first win. Despite all the talk of participation, there is nothing quite like winning!

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There is no doubt Brian has had a positive impact on many players and as a game we are very grateful to have benefited from his expertise and hard work. To that end I would like to thank Brian on behalf of all of TRL for his service, and looking forward to continuing on for many more years to come.

Tom Longworth