In an age when Cobh Ramblers are possibly moving in the direction of private investment, with the role of volunteer unspecified and undefined, the club over the weekend lost a true pioneer who gave extra meaning to the word volunteer. Sue Malpass was such a person. Residing in Glenanaar Place, within earshot of St. Colman’s Park, a housing estate rich in the history of the club, in that it has housed so many more esteemed and selfless servants of the club down the years. That Sue walked with and after his passing, walked in the same footsteps as her late husband, Billy, was akin to night following day. Cobh Ramblers were the beneficiaries.
Sue had a voice, it could be loud, but she had an opinion that she wanted heard and shared. Latterly as distinct from today, Sue was moving in a sport and boardroom that was male dominated, but she was never one to be shouted down. She understood the role of the volunteer, at times it was under instruction, at other times was where Sue excelled, it was guided by her own initiative. To do good for the collective good was her mantra.
You never felt she did it for herself, to any acclaim, it was pure and simply for the betterment of Cobh Ramblers. In hard times, and believe me they were hard times, it was done for mere survival.
I never did question Sue at length on her love of the game, I didn’t need to on her unequivocal love of Cobh Ramblers, who just happened to play the game. For so many years her everyday movements were defined by that same love affair.
Committee person, club shop stockist and supervisor, ticket promoter and seller, bingo goer and helper, sandwich provider whatever the occasion, the go-to-person for a key and access to some part of the club, and probably so much more. You always felt there was a private and monetary contribution along the way.
Irony upon irony that Sue’s passing coincided with the Joe Dolan Tribute act rolling into town on Saturday night. Fitting that she received a minute’s silence, because in healthier times she would have been present and singing along with her own rendition of GOODBYE VENICE, GOODBYE. It was a favourite. Fitting also that a great crowd was present, because Sue firmly believed that if you wanted people to come you had to let them know. Social media could never replace a poster on a wall. It was old-fashioned thinking, but never out-dated.
As we say our own goodbyes, I am sure that Sue would like to be remembered the way she lived her life: dignified and without fuss. May her kind soul rest in peace in the fellowship of all those gone before her that served the club so well during a lifetime of volunteerism that made them all so special people. All we can say is THANK YOU SUE.
