ORANGE’s Catholic and rugby league communities will farewell Monsignor John ‘Grassy’ Grannall at a funeral in Wallerawang on Tuesday.
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Monsignor Grannall, who died at Pipers Flat on December 29, was heavily involved in the rugby league scene during the 1950s and 60s through the Orange CYMS club.
Friend Eddie Peter described him as arguably the best lock forward CYMS has produced since its formation in 1945.
“He had permission from the bishop to play,” Mr Peter said. “He also lined up for the hockey side on three or four occasions but the bishop found out and banned him [from hockey],” Mr Peter added.
Mr Peter said Monsignor Grannall, who served at the east Orange parish while here, was a man who mixed with everyone.
He also spent time at Lithgow, Dubbo, Cowra, Bathurst and Portland.
‘Grassy’ Grannall was also one of the players frequently referred to by comedians and league commentators Rampaging Roy Slaven and HG Wells.
His funeral will be held at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Wallerawang on Tuesday from 11am.
There will be a memorial service in Orange on Friday.
