Pat Cronin Foundation

Pat Cronin Foundation: Let’s End the Coward Punch 

Pat will always be 19 years old.

He will never have another birthday, or play another footy game, or finish studying health science and physiotherapy under the scholarship he was awarded.

Pat went out on Saturday 16 April, 2016 for a few quiet drinks with mates after playing his first senior football match alongside his big brother. He wasn’t a fighter, it just wasn’t his scene. But when a brawl started to build outside the pub, being the loyal and caring mate he was, Pat stepped in to pull a friend away. It was then that Pat was punched in the head from behind.

He stayed on his feet, checking all his mates were ok, but soon after he started to develop symptoms, had a seizure and was taken to hospital unconscious. Two days later, we made the agonising decision to turn off his life support.

A quietly spoken, gentle natured young man with a fierce determination, Pat deeply loved his family and friends. His death has left a gaping hole in our lives and caused devastation among his friends and our broader community. If this can happen to us, it can happen to anyone.

Pat isn’t here to take care of his mates anymore, but we are.

We are here to honour Pat’s life by helping young Australians make wise decisions so we can end the senseless violence that devastates families and communities, together. 

We are here to End the Coward Punch.

Be Wise. Think carefully. Act kindly.

– Robyn, Matt, Emma and Lucas Cronin

On Friday 17th June, all year 9 students attended an incursion run by the Pat Cronin Foundation. Al, our presenter, talked to students about Pat’s story; his experience in NRL and how to manage anger. Students were treated to some music throughout the presentation. 

The Pat Cronin incursion was very informative and really gave all year nine students insight into the massive impact and consequences that can come with just a single punch. 

You could take a person’s life or be sent to jail, is that really worth a silly, pointless fight? It’s not.

By Tailah Ata 9F