Vale John Farragher OAM

Penrith Panthers NRL
1

Vale John Farragher OAM

Panthers Media | 2 November 2025

image
image768×576 70.8 KB

Penrith Panthers is deeply saddened by the passing of club legend John Farragher OAM.

Born in Gilgandra, John’s journey with the Panthers began on the field, where he played as a powerful prop forward. In 1978, only seven games into his first-grade career, John suffered a life-changing spinal injury when a scrum collapsed at Henson Park. At just 21 years of age, he was left a quadriplegic.

After an extended period of rehabilitation, John’s resilience and determination saw him return to Panthers in 1982, where he took on a public relations role at Panthers Leagues Club. For more than four decades, John became one of the most familiar and beloved faces at the club, warmly greeting members and guests and embodying the true spirit of the Panthers community.

In recognition of his outstanding service and inspirational contribution, John was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in the 2016 Australia Day Honours.

John continued his lifelong dedication to Panthers, being elected as a Director of the Panthers Board in March 2022.

Panthers Group Chairman Peter Graham said: “John Farragher was, and will always be, a cornerstone of the Panthers family. His courage, warmth and commitment to our club inspired generations of players, staff and members. He was a true gentleman who represented everything our club stands for. We extend our deepest sympathies to John’s family and friends during this difficult time.”

John’s contribution to the Panthers extends far beyond his playing career, reflected in the respect and affection he earned from everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.

The thoughts of everyone at the Penrith Panthers are with John’s family and friends.

SOURCE

2 Likes
2

So sad to learn this. I got a call last night as John was a longtime/lifetime friend of my Uncle and Auntie who knew him from the bush. I actually had a call from my Mum late last week when I was travelling to tell me that my Auntie had called to say that John had had a heart attack and was in hospital.

My wife and I had spoken to John for maybe 20mins at the club just last month & he was his jolly self, telling a few yarns & making fun of himself over his presentation speech at the Merv Cartwright medal night.

John was a fantastic man, who proved that a life of significance could be led by someone who has a major setback, totally changing his life forever, if you just go about your life in a positive manner.

RIP John. Forever a Panther. We are all better for having known you.

5 Likes
3

I was deeply saddened by the news.

I aways remember John as a local celebrity, revered as much as the John the pen guy. He was always up for a chat with anyone when out shopping.

I know he moved away a few years ago, and he has been missed since, the circumstances of his injury is one of leagues darkest days, yet the way the club looked out of him and gave home a job for life was one of the reasons I have been proud to be a panther.

May you rest in peace John.

1 Like