Three generations of the Sheahan family gathered together with members of the Melbourne Grammar School community to honour former Headmaster, Mr Paul Sheahan AM, at a recent event.
The main oval at Edwin Flack Park was formally named the Sheahan Oval at a ceremony held on 19 July 2019. Mr Sheahan was Melbourne Grammar’s 13th Headmaster. He served with distinction from 1995 – 2009.
Speaking at the occasion, Mr Michael Bartlett, Chairman of School Council said: “Today we celebrate the naming of the Sheahan Oval in Paul Sheahan’s honour. It was Paul’s incredible vision to establish Edwin Flack Park and, over a six-year period, it was his drive which lead to the development of the facility enjoyed by so many today.”
“On behalf of the entire School, I offer my sincere thanks for Paul Sheahan’s magnificent contribution to Melbourne Grammar School as Headmaster and the magnificent legacy he has left us here at Flack Park,” added Mr Bartlett.
In response, Mr Sheahan acknowledged the contribution that many people made to the project. “When you saw this site prior to its development, you would have gasped,” said Mr Sheahan. “If you were really generous you would have called it unprepossessing. When you look out on the grounds today, you realise what phenomenal skill, imagination and creativity these people commanded.”
Mr Sheahan also spoke about the value of sport saying: “Many of the best lessons in life are learned through engagement in sport, especially team sport. My hope is that generations of Melbourne Grammar students are inspired to greater deeds by what they see and experience here at Flack Park. I am enormously proud to have my name associated with such a wonderful educational facility.”
In summing up, Mr Roy Kelley, Headmaster said: “I’d like to think that Paul’s grandchildren, who are here today, might one day in the future bring their grandchildren to Edwin Flack Park to see the Sheahan Oval and talk about a man who had a vision for education, as well as for sport, and whose name is associated with this facility for all the very best reasons.”
