Retired police officer who was ‘rugby membership royalty’ named as sufferer of Bondi taking pictures
Peter Meagher served for four decades with New South Wales Police and volunteered for many years with Randwick Rugby. The club paid tribute after he was killed in the Bondi Beach terror attack
A retired police officer who gave his time as a rugby manager has been named as one of the victims of the Bondi Beach terror attack. Peter Meagher – known as ‘Marzo’ had served four decades in the police and was working as a freelance photographer at the Hanukkah event where the attack happened.
‘Marzo’ was among at least 15 innocent victims killed during the devastating tragedy at the popular Sydney beach. One of the alleged shooters, 50-year-old Sajid Akram, was gunned down by officers at the scene, while his son, 24-year-old Naveed Akram, was taken into custody by New South Wales Police and is in a critical condition.
The attack, which police are treating as a terror incident, also left 40 people in hospital with injuries.
Paying tribute to Mr Meagher, a statement from Randwick Rugby read: “It is with an extremely heavy heart that Randwick DRUFC can confirm the tragic passing of our much loved First Grade Manager and loyal club volunteer Peter Meagher yesterday.
“Devastatingly, Peter was caught up in these horrible Bondi Beach shootings and was sadly one of 15 innocent people, who have lost their lives.”
“For him it was simply a catastrophic case of being in the wrong place and at the wrong time.
Mr Meagher had served for almost four decades in the NSW Police Force and was a Detective Sergeant before retiring.
General manager of the club, Mark Harrison said: “The tragic irony is that he spent so long in the dangerous front line as a Police Officer and was struck down in retirement while taking photos in his passion role is really hard to comprehend.”
The club gave their condolences to Peter’s wife Virginia, his brothers Greg, David, Andrew and Paul and their extended families. The manager’s family has been part of the club for years.
Mr Harrison’s statement added: “’Marzo’ as he was universally known, was a much loved figure and absolute legend in our club, with decades of voluntary involvement, he was one of the heart and soul figures of Randwick Rugby. The Meagher family are absolute royalty in our Club, with Marzo following in the giant Myrtle Green footsteps of his grandfather the legendary Wally Meahger and his father Ron who was a former Club President.
“For much of the last decade Marzo has been our trusted First Grade Manager and this news has already hit our players, coaches, managers, volunteers and supporters extremely hard. Prior to that he was also a highly respected long term referee who was well known and respected in Sydney Rugby circles.
“Rest in Peace ‘Marzo’ – we all love you and will miss you greatly. We are devastated.”
Mr Harrison went on to send his love to the Jewish community.
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