Launceston Juventus club great Liam Monagle has been remembered for being a fierce competitor on the field and a gentleman off it.
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Monagle recently passed away peacefully at his home in Ireland. He was aged 62.
Former teammate Roger Mies fondly recalls the presence that Monagle once had around Prospect.
“Liam was a champion player, a champion guy. He was one of those guys that everybody liked,” Mies said.
“He was a true gentleman.
“He was hard, but very fair on the pitch, but he was also one of those guys you just couldn’t not like. I think he was very respected across football in Tasmania.”
Monagle’s arrival at the club had coincided with his teaching job in 1982, at nearby St Patrick’s College.
The Irish recruit had short stints at both Ulverstone and George Town, but will be best remembered to soccer supporters for playing under Launceston City’s one-time Juventus moniker.
He had been quick to show his finesse on the pitch.
Mies, who is one three generations to play at the club including son Noah in the NPL, said Monagle was one of the most naturally talented players he has witnessed play the game throughout the state.
“He had a really sweet left foot and he gave 100 per cent out there too,” Mies said.
“He was very good on the ball and was just so skilful.
“Just a real playmaker is the best way I could describe him, but he could mix it as well, as a hard but fair player.”
Monagle was regarded so highly at Launceston that he was named vice-captain of its best team of 30 seasons from 1979 until 2008.
Only that side’s captain Peter Savill, who arrived at the same time as Monagle from Leeds, was more decorated.
Mies, a life member of the club, said many of his former teammates were in shock to hear of Monagle’s death.
Many kept in contact with the beloved player since he returned to county Donegal.
“We all had in various capacities – Facebook, sometimes, is a wonderful thing,” Mies said. “Unfortunately not face-to-face catch up; I don’t think he has been back here for some time now.
“So just through social media with that old player network you have forever.
“When you play sport, you don’t lose contact with a lot of your friends like him.”
Monagle’s old school paid tribute to a beloved English and Humanities teacher, who was a pillar in the St Patrick’s community for 18 years.
Its Facebook page was flooded with comments of memories of a loving man for his students and colleagues.
St Patrick’s held a memorial service for him last Friday.
“You could have written an article without talking to anyone for them to do something like that,” Mies said.
He was hard, but very fair on the pitch, but he was also one of those guys you just couldn’t not like
- Roger Mies on Liam Monagle