Jean was the loving wife of Ernest Stanley Holmes one of the Founding Fathers of the Pennant Hills Australian Rules Football Club in the 1960’s, Ern was a firm believer of Youth Sport and with the close association of a few friends relentlessly worked together to form the Pennant Hills Australian Rules Football Club.

As our members may be aware, Australian Rules Football was established in Pennant Hills in 1966 with the formation of the Pennant Hills Junior Australian Rules Football Club. Local Men including my father Ern Holmes, Mr Ken Telfer, Mr Bill Carey & Mr Stan Brack were the instrumental driving forces in starting the Pennant Hills Junior Australian Rules Club in the area in that year.  It was inevitably realised that a Senior Club would be required to provide football progression for the players after they completed their junior football. Both Kerry James and the late Ern Holmes were instrumental in forming the Senior Club. In 1971, its first season, the club played in the third division and finished third in the competition.From a team of 20 players in the 1960’s Under 13’s, the Club is now one of the most successful clubs in the Sydney AFL.

Standing behind her Man – In order to help make raise funds for the young Club to grow, Ern got his loving wife, Jean involved.  Many weekends were spent making & selling ham and tomato sandwiches to raise money for a much needed Club Canteen. Jean’s face would light up when she spoke of her late husband – a loyal, honest, fair, hardworking and loving family man who made a big difference in his local community.

Stuart Holmes