Noel Kellys 80th Birthday Party.

The hottest invite of the year.

 Noel being told to go home and get ready for the night of nights…His 80th.

 The Wall of Memories ….

The Black and White Balloons….

The Posters….

The MOL men Norm Pounder and Denis Bendall ready at the sign in table….

NOW

All was ready for the Noel Raymond Kelly’s 80th Birthday Party.

 The Magpie Room at the Long Reef Golf Club starts to fill with excited guests.

A brilliant video of Ned’s life both on and off the field was shown before the speeches.

This Video was produced by Ex-Wests player and Coach Billy Owens and will be included in the Video of the night that Steve Dillon of Aussie Flicks is producing.

At the end of this story there will be an order form to purchase the complete package for only $28.

Ned with Rick Wayde welcomes everyone to his 80th Birthday Party.

Then it was time to hear from former team mates and mates.

Barry Glasgow tells tall stories from the past.

Barry Muir remembering the 1963 Kangaroo Tour.

Barry Ross on all things Rugby League and Ned.

Ray Beattie OAM from the Men Of League.

Michael Cleary AO team mate from the 1963 Kangaroo Tour.

Rodney Cavalier AO .

Graham McNeice good mate.

Noel’s son DK speaks about his Dad with a little help from his sister Natalie….

Then sisters….Natalie and Judy.

Northern Sydney Branch President Trevor Bailey of the Men of League

presents Noel with a special framed pictorial of his life on and off the field.

Then it was Ned’s turn to thank everyone for helping him celebrate his Birthday.

With a very loving and special mention of his beautiful wife Chris.

 Chris Kelly.

Dennis Burgess and Rick Wayde lead the guests in a rousing version of Happy Birthday to you….

The Guests join in the singing.

After Ned replaced the keg…..

It was now time for Ned to work the room and catch up with family and friends.

Nathan Cole, Ned and Cherie Walters.

Russell Smith, Rick Wayde and Mike Bailey.

 St George great Billy Smith.

Greg Kelly, John Hayes, Ned and DK.

Steve Dillon and Souths great Mick Cleary AO.

Jim Hall.

Dianne and Mr Col Ensor.

Craig Worrall and Nick Ruban.

Ned and Tim Pickup.

Carl Ross about to have one more Fluffy Duck.

John”Chow”Hayes and Geoff Squires.

Yvonne and Harry Wells.

Dennis Burgess and Paul Dillon.

Rugby League great John “Bomber” Peard.

Fred Jackson and Julie Jackson.

Fred being sent off against Wests 1963.

John McMartin and Gary Lester.

Ted McCabe and Tim Murphy.

Jill Squires, Diane Pounder and Vicki Bailey.

John Elford and Vicki Lavender.

Bev Watson and Ken Morris.

Mick Alchin and Jean Alchin.

Fred Jackson, Steve Springall and Michael Hyde.

Billy Smith and Barry Muir.

2 Great Half Backs.

Billy Smith passing the ball.

 Barry Muir playing for his beloved Queensland.

Bryan Stephen, Don Gates, Geoff Perks and Neil Musgrove.

Lyn Stephen, Joan Gates and Pat Perks.

Wayne Springall and Ray Beattie OAM.

Tony Howard  and  ???

Mary Clarke and Denise Musgrove.

Sandra Ross, Chris Kelly and Jill Squires.

Geoff Squires, Rick Wayde, Veronica and Ken Gentle.

Jeff Neilsen, Brett Thomas, Tim Murphy and Tim Pickup.

Mick and Vicki Liubinskas.

Grand daughter Jaine and Ned.

Pat Thomas and Bill King.

Maria Cleary, Rodney Cavalier AO and Michael Cleary AO.

Wayne Smith and Barry Glasgow.

Phil and Paula Franks with Cherie Walters and Nathan Cole.

Grand daughter Jaine and Simone.

Ray Brown, Steve Springall and Tracey Brown.

A very fit Terry “Igor” Randall and DK.

Terry Randall 1976.

Tony Brown and Barry Muir.

Steve Lawler, Trevor Cogger and ???.

Steven Lalich and Harry Wells.

Steve Winter, Mrs Storey and Kevin Storey.

It was a night to remember, lots of laughter, singing and plenty of great stories from the past.

On a personal note I would like to thank Noel Kelly for his years at Wests 1961-69 and 111 First Grade Games.

And his many games for this country (25).

As a young boy Noel was my favorite player and to be at his 80th Birthday Party was a real honor.

Thanks Noel it was a great time to be a young Wests supporter.

 If you would like to order the Video of the night which also has the

Billy Owens “A Life in Football”  on it.

Look below to order NOW.