Wests Archive would like to thank John Dorahy for generously contributing his time and information in the preparation of this profile.
John Dorahy was born in the city of Wollongong in the Illawarra District. He grew up in the western suburb of Unanderra and was educated at St Pius X Primary School. He later attended St Paul’s College Bellambi (now Holy Spirit College).
His backyard was Unanderra Oval where he spent many an afternoon playing with friends, kicking balls and taking an interest in a range of sports. John had natural talent with good hand eye coordination and peripheral vision. Like many Australian kids of that era, he refined those skills by playing games such as forcings back as well as touch and tackle football.
John first played rugby league at school with St Pius and then St Pauls College. In year five, John was asked to play with the West Wollongong junior team against Gymea Gorillas and then a Shoalhaven knockout competition. In his last year at primary school he played regularly with West Wollongong and the school team.
He remained playing with the juniors until the age of sixteen. He was then selected to play with the West Wollongong First Grade team in 1971. John had just turned seventeen when he made his first appearance with the senior team.
After completing school, John went on to study business management and accounting. His intention was to become involved in the family business, Dorahy Brothers Butchers. By studying at technical college it allowed him time to play professional sport. It also provided a foundation for further education which he has pursued throughout his life.
We won! John calling home from England
John Dorahy 1976