Former NRL players and fellow commentators gathered at St Brigid’s Church in Coogee to pay their respects to legendary sports broadcaster David “Thirsty” Morrow, who died aged 71 following a battle with brain cancer.
The service, held on Thursday morning, 25 July 2024, saw attendees don red clothing and ribbons in honour of Morrow’s love for the St George Illawarra Dragons. Among those present were former NRL stars Andrew Johns and Darryl Brohman, highlighting the deep impact Morrow had on the sporting community.
Service Details
A Dragons bomber jacket adorned Morrow’s casket as it was carried down the aisle to AC/DC’s “It’s A Long Way To The Top.” Loved ones also placed an Olympic flag and a 2GB cap on the casket, symbolising Morrow’s vast broadcasting career and passion for sports.
The choice of music and personal items reflected Morrow’s larger-than-life personality and significant contributions to Australian sports broadcasting. Attendees’ red-themed attire created a visual tribute to his unwavering support for the Dragons.
Family Tribute
Lucy Morrow, David’s youngest daughter, delivered a touching eulogy praising her father’s “intelligent sporting acumen” and “deep thoughtfulness for others.” She shared one of his last pieces of advice, emphasising his caring nature and wit.
Lucy recounted a poignant moment from her father’s final days in hospital, where he playfully reminded her to “be good, be careful, and if you can’t be careful, give me a ring.” Morrow’s lasting essence was captured in this story, demonstrating the strong connection he had with his family.
Career Highlights
Morrow’s illustrious 52-year broadcasting career included:
– Coverage of eight Olympic Games and six Commonwealth Games
– 44 years of rugby league commentary
– A long stint as an ABC radio and television commentator from 1980 to 2014
– Joining 2GB’s Continuous Call team in 2015
His versatility as a broadcaster was evident in his ability to commentate on various sports, making him a household name across Australia. Morrow’s distinctive voice and encyclopaedic knowledge of sports endeared him to listeners and viewers alike.
Honours and Recognition
Morrow’s contributions to sports broadcasting were widely recognised:
– Awarded an OAM for services to sport, sports broadcasting and the community in 2005
– Inducted into the Sydney Cricket Ground Media Hall of Honour in 2023
– Set to be inducted into the NRL Hall of Fame for his service to the game
Colleague’s Tribute
Mark Levy, Morrow’s colleague and friend, announced that a Nine radio Olympic studio in Pyrmont would be renamed the “David Morrow Olympic Studio” in his honour. Levy praised Morrow’s exceptional memory for sporting records and his ability to connect with listeners across generations.
Levy shared that he had been inundated with emails from listeners expressing their gratitude for having had the privilege of listening to Morrow over the years. This outpouring of support highlighted the broadcaster’s far-reaching influence and the personal connection he forged with his audience.
Australian Rugby League Commission chairman Peter V’landys described Morrow as one of the “greatest voices of the game”, recognised nationwide for his wit, insight, and knowledge. V’landys added that Morrow was aware of his impending induction into the NRL Hall of Fame before his passing, providing comfort to both David Morrow and his family.
Published 29-July-2024
