Jason McGuigan with Harden Coach Jack Alcorn when Harden last won the shield. Harden held it for 5 years before Boorowa won the shield in 2023.
The annual Annie McGuigan Shield match between the Harden Red Devils and the Boorowa Goldies will be played this Saturday afternoon at Robert’s Park. Harden will be desperate to get the shield back after losing it for the first time against Boorowa last year. This weekend’s match is even more special with the Harden Old Boys day being held alongside a day to remember the recent passing of club and town legend, Graham ‘Polly’ Thurkettle, who was instrumental in not just building the Devils up from their early beginnings, but also supporting the Harden Hawks in the rugby league club’s ability to compete in Group 9, by backing up and sharing players between the two codes.
The Annie McGuigan Shield is close to the heart of Jason McGuigan, Annie’s uncle, who grew up in Boorowa and played much of his rugby for the Devils in a career which has spanned over 25 years.
McGuigan will be pulling on the boots again this Saturday and will be heading back in to the front row where he always rises to the occasion. There will be a number of close family on hand on the day, including his brother Troy, Annie’s father.
Annie passed away from cancer at just four years of age in 2018 and it rocked the family including Jason to the core.
Special jumpers have been purchased for the day and they will be auctioned off after the match at the ground to raise money for Ronald McDonald House in Randwick, a charity which helped the family during their difficult battle.
One of the jumpers which have been purchased by a member of the McGuigan family to be auctioned off to raise money for Ronald McDonald House.
Jason said, “I grew up in Boorowa and played all my footy in Harden. It’s an emotional day, it is for me and my brother and my family, definitely.”
Charlie Butt will be doing the auction after the game to assist the fundraiser.
The She Devils will be taking on the Goldies, before one (Boorowa) plays three (Harden) on the ladder in what will be an epic clash in first grade. Kick is at approximately 2:00pm for the ladies before the men hit the field at 3:15pm.
