Tributes and humour were in generous supply with memories stirred of the Gloucester High School teacher’s contribution in helping relaunch and rebuild the club from 2004, bitter defeat preceding resounding victory, emerging from a 105-0 birching by a Coffs Harbour XV when reduced to 13 players, to premiership winners in 2008.

Formerly a Mid North Coast representative fullback and subsequent MNC Axemen’s coach, McCarthy will leave for an extended holiday in Perugia, Italy, with his wife, Jenny, in May.

The Dolphins’ honorary legal representative and utility back, Jonathan Paff, delivered a message through the club’s web site, declaring: “As time finally comes closer to deporting Ron McCarthy from Australia, I’d like to pass on my thanks on behalf of anyone who has been coached by him over the years.

“While we may not have understood why we needed to do that drill just one more time, you cannot argue with results.

“You made us all better players, Ron, but importantly you made us all better blokes.

“How a team celebrates is a reflection of the coach, and I like to think we did a top job of it.

“Bus trips, Brisbane trips and mad Mondays won’t be the same.

“Enjoy Italy, Ron, and if you get arrested, give me a call. I wouldn’t mind the trip.”

The Dolphins begin their season’s training with new coaches, Ron Rae and Paul Drake, next Saturday, January 28, from 3pm, which will serve as registration day for new players with a background briefing followed by a training session under the supervision of fitness guru, John Hassett.

The Dolphins’ immediate objective is the Crescent Head Seven-a-side tournament on March 4 with the Lower MNC premiership beginning on April 1.

The Tuncurry Beach Bowling Club-sponsored Dolphins will be striving for a fifth successive premiership.