Mary Sullivan (netball)

Mary Frances Sullivan (29 February 1920 – 29 March 1977) was New Zealand netball player. She played in the New Zealand team in two Tests against the touring Australian team in 1948.

Mary Sullivan
Personal information
Full name Mary Frances Sullivan
Born (1920-02-29)29 February 1920
Died 29 March 1977(1977-03-29) (aged 57)
Height 1.88 m (6 ft 2 in)
Netball career
Playing position(s): WA, C
Years National team(s) Caps
1948 New Zealand 2

Early life

Born on 29 February 1920, Sullivan was the daughter of Denis Sullivan, an employee of New Zealand Railways, and Fanny Mary Sullivan (née Price).[1][2][3]

Netball career

Playing as a shooter in the goal circle, Sullivan was a member of the Surrey Hills club in Grey Lynn, and was captain of the club's senior team.[4] She played for the Auckland provincial netball team, and with a height of 1.88 metres (6 ft 2 in) she usually towered over her opponents.[1]

After the 1947 national championships, won by Canterbury, Sullivan was selected as a forward for the New Zealand team to play the visiting Australian team the following year.[5] New Zealand lost the first Test at Forbury Park in Dunedin 16–27, with Sullivan playing at wing attack. She was reported to be "the hardest worked player" on court, and it was said that she was "probably the most deceptive member of either team".[6] Sullivan missed the second Test, but returned as vice-captain for the third Test in Auckland, which was won by Australia, 44–22.[7][8]

In 1949, Sullivan was part of the Auckland team that won the national provincial championships.[9]

Later life and death

Sullivan worked as an office manager. She died on 29 March 1977, and was buried at Waikumete Cemetery in Auckland.[10]

References
  1. "Mary Sullivan". Netball New Zealand. Retrieved 3 October 2021.
  2. "Birth search: registration number 1920/1184". Births, deaths & marriages online. Department of Internal Affairs. Retrieved 3 October 2021.
  3. "Deaths". New Zealand Herald. Vol. 69, no. 21211. 17 June 1932. p. 1. Retrieved 3 October 2021.
  4. "Basketball honours". Auckland Star. Vol. 76, no. 226. 24 September 1945. p. 7. Retrieved 3 October 2021.
  5. "Championships at Nelson". Asburton Guardian. Vol. 67, no. 274. 1 September 1947. p. 5. Retrieved 3 October 2021.
  6. "Dominion outclassed by Australian team in basketball Test". Otago Daily Times. No. 26851. 16 August 1948. p. 6. Retrieved 3 October 2021.
  7. "Win by 44 goals to 22". Bay of Plenty Times. Vol. 77, no. 14774. 13 September 1948. p. 3. Retrieved 3 October 2021.
  8. "Team selected for third Test". Gisborne Herald. Vol. 75, no. 22729. 20 August 1948. p. 7. Retrieved 3 October 2021.
  9. "Auckland wins basketball final". Otago Daily Times. No. 27171. 29 August 1949. p. 6. Retrieved 9 September 2021.
  10. "Record for Mary Frances Sullivan". Auckland Council. Retrieved 3 October 2021.
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