The Barefoot Beginnings Of A Gilroy Boy

Student 11, Bob Mitting

Reflecting on his time at Cardinal Gilroy College in Ingham, former student Bob (Robert) Mitting recalls nothing but fond memories. Yet, alongside those recollections, he vividly remembers the culture shock he experienced upon arriving.

He had gone from being a barefoot country kid to a student among Christian Brothers and boys with unfamiliar traditions — including the expectation to wear shoes and socks, something he rarely did, especially after the war when footwear was a luxury.

“That was a bit of a shock initially,” he said. “And because we were college boys, we also had to wear ties. You’ve got no idea the cacophony of colours that turned up, with everyone wearing their dads’ old ties. That was one of the first things that really stood out — having to wear shoes, socks, and a tie.”

Another surprise came with the Ingham wet season, which coincided with the start of the school year. The school was still new, and poor drainage left the grounds dotted with puddles and makeshift creeks.

“When you’re kids, you run about and chase each other, running like madmen all over the place. And you’d be up to your knees in a puddle of water before you realised — and with our precious shoes and socks on,” he laughed, adding that he often got into trouble with his mother for it.

The school day began with the usual assembly, where the Brothers read announcements before class. The school consisted of one long building with concertina doors separating classrooms. For larger gatherings, the walls could be opened so the entire school could be addressed by the principal, Brother Cryan. Alongside him, Brothers Wittig and Baillie formed the core teaching team. A new addition, Brother Seaman, was a young, athletic recruit who became the sports coach. Unlike the middle-aged Brothers, he was likely only 18 or 19 — just slightly older than the students themselves.

Bob fondly recalls his claim to fame at the school: he was number 11 on the initial enrolment roll, with Brian Livingston being the very first boy registered.

“The college was small, catering only to the younger grades. They had all the classes from Grade Four up to Junior — as it was in those days, Sub-Junior and Junior,” he said. “The senior years weren’t offered, so students wanting to complete what would now be Years 11 and 12 had to go elsewhere.”

Bob himself didn’t feel the need to continue:

“I just wanted to get out and work, and make some money.”

He learned blacksmithing as a trade and later went on to join the Air Force after school.

One of the highlights of his school days was the school’s first senior rugby league title in 1954.

“It took till 1954 before Cardinal Gilroy actually won the senior rugby league title for the first time. That was a big feather in our caps. We were all pretty chuffed about beating Abergowrie twice and the high school twice — we were the undefeated champions. We often pat each other on the back still, years later. It was a big thing for us, being the first boys to win.”

Looking back, Bob reflects on the friendships, discipline, and camaraderie that shaped his youth.

“I thoroughly enjoyed being there. We did have a good team, you know — the guys, the boys — we all fitted in together and backed each other.”

Even decades later, he retains a deep connection to Ingham.

“I’ve still got a soft spot for Ingham — nothing’s changed a real lot. It still has all the places I used to run around as a kid. I’m proud to be a Gilroy boy, and I’m proud to be an Ingham boy. Seventy-five years is quite an achievement.”

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