Toot Keegan honoured for lifelong dedication to Orange netball

The Orange Netball Association has surprised long-serving volunteer, coach and life member Yvonne “Toot” Keegan by naming a grandstand at the PCYC courts in her honour.

In an emotional dedication ahead of the Division 1 grand final match on Saturday afternoon, friend and fellow life member Pam Ryan paid tribute to Toot, highlighting the incredible input she has had in the lives of so many during the 65 years she has been associated with the Orange Netball Association and many other local sporting clubs.

Toot herself played netball at a state level and has remained an active coach, mentor and committee member with the Association in the decades since.

Toot’s son Ben Keegan spoke on behalf of the family thanking the Orange Netball Association and Orange City Council.

“I know as we look across at that grandstand we will never see just a name,” he said, following the unveiling of the Toot Kegan Stand.

“Because the name Toot will forever symbolise what is great and what is good in this world.

“To be Toot means to strive to be the best you can be and help others to do the same. To be Toot means to rise above whatever holds you back and never give up. It means to laugh, to be humble, courageous, grateful, and inspirational.

“But most of all to be Toot means to love and love unconditionally. I’m sure if we asked Mum to say a few words right now, she would simply say, ‘I just love youse all!’”