Taking a step back isn’t normally in Tahlia Delahunty’s nature.
Last month, however, Ms Delahunty poured her last beer and served her last meal at Middle Green.
Ms Delahunty has been both a volunteer and paid employee at Middle Green, but when she first stepped into the club the year was 1989 and it was named Greenbank Sports.
Ms Delahunty took her boys, Daniel and Joel, to the club so they could play football in 1989 and, later, her daughter Rachel joined in.
In 1990 she took up her first committee member post on the football association.
“It was important to me that children had the opportunity to play sport,” she said.
“I never took up any executive jobs. I liked to stay in the background and lend a hand when I could.
“You can’t let other people ruin it (volunteering) for you.
“We did what we could, it was just slowly.
“It was always fun.”
I would tell people to just get involved and do it. It's hard work but it's fun.
- Tahlia Delahunty
Taking a paid position behind the bar led to Ms Delahunty only volunteering on the sidelines, no longer on the association board.
“The atmosphere behind the bar is so friendly,” she said.
“It was a big change, but more responsibility.
“It’s been such a good job.The hours suited me here.
“I’ve seen generations come through here. Seeing them turn 18 and serving them their first drink, that’s something.”
Ms Delahunty said the club had changed over the years, but she loved seeing the progress.
“It’s time to hand it over now,” she said.
“Time flies and you loose track of how much (you’ve done).
“The future of this place is excellent, with Merryl Davis and David McBey and the new generation of association.”
Ms Delahunty’s words of advice to anyone who is a volunteer is to just get involved, as clubs don’t run without support.
“I would tell people to just get involved and do it. It's hard work but it's fun,” she said.
“I always tried to encourage more parents to participate.”
Now in retirement, Ms Delahunty is busier than ever and has time to spend with her grandchildren.
“I’ve never been busier doing nothing,” she said.
“I already miss it though.”
Ms Delahunty hopes to take up painting and will be going on a cruise later this year.
