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Honouring John McMahon: A Cricketing Icon’s Enduring Legacy

Honouring John McMahon: A Cricketing Icon’s Enduring Legacy
By Jeff Gibbs
The Lismore community came together today to celebrate the remarkable legacy of John McMahon by officially naming a grandstand at the newly refurbished Oakes Oval in his honour. The tribute is a testament to McMahon’s profound contributions to cricket as a player, mentor, and administrator across the Northern Rivers region and beyond.
A Cricketing Legend
John McMahon’s cricketing career was nothing short of extraordinary. Locally, he dominated first-grade cricket in Lismore, playing 32 seasons—18 for Marist Brothers and 14 for Western Districts in Sydney. Over his illustrious career, McMahon achieved more than 120 five-wicket hauls, solidifying his place among the sport’s greats.
McMahon’s influence extended far beyond his playing career. His dedication to cricket as a coach and administrator earned him life memberships in several cricket organisations, including the Lismore District Cricket Association. His significant contributions were nationally recognised in 2008 when he was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM).
A Lasting Community Tribute
Lismore City Mayor Steve Krieg spoke about McMahon’s enduring impact on the local community:
“John McMahon was more than a cricketing legend; he was a community pillar. Naming this grandstand in his honour, twelve months after his passing, is a fitting tribute to his legacy. His passion for cricket and commitment to mentoring others has left an indelible mark on Lismore.”
This tribute ensures McMahon’s contributions will continue to inspire cricket enthusiasts and the wider Lismore community for generations to come.

Family and friends celebrating the official naming of the John McMahon Grandstand.
A Family Affair
McMahon’s influence on cricket extended to his family, with three of his eight children—Terry, Brian, and Michael—playing first-grade cricket in Sydney. Speaking at the ceremony, Terry McMahon expressed the family’s pride:
“The naming of the Oakes Oval grandstand in Dad’s honour is a wonderful, lasting tribute. We are incredibly proud of the recognition Dad has received from sporting bodies, the Lismore City Council, and the community.”
A Storied Career
John McMahon’s cricket journey began in Sydney in 1943 and included stints in Sydney Grade Cricket with Balmain, two Sheffield Shield appearances for Queensland, and numerous representative honours. His left-arm wrist spin earned him widespread acclaim and respect on the field. Remarkably, his playing career spanned nearly seven decades, culminating in his final appearance at age 79 in 2011.
McMahon’s journey to Lismore in the mid-1950s to pursue a journalism career marked the start of a new chapter, where his cricketing and community contributions became legendary.
A Legacy Shared
The grandstand named in McMahon’s honour joins another tribute at Oakes Oval—one for local cricketing legend Lyn Larsen AM, acknowledged last December. Additionally, the newly developed complex between Oakes and Crozier Ovals will be named after Adam Gilchrist during his visit to Lismore in February for the Legends of Cricket Twenty20 match.
Today’s ceremony not only celebrated McMahon’s life and contributions but also reinforced Lismore’s rich cricketing heritage and the enduring impact of its icons.
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