Ash Connor will forever be in the hearts of her former Illawarra Stingrays’ players and supporters alike.
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The number 9 jersey she wore so proudly for the club during back-to-back championship years has since been retired.
Connor’s initials are also emblazoned inside every Stingray jersey to honour the popular striker who tragically died aged 21 in a car accident in 2011 on Appin Road.
On Saturday the Illawarra Stingrays will erect a permanent memorial for Connor at J J Kelly Park as part of the club’s Dedication Day.
Former club president Robert McKie has organised the day to celebrate the life of a ‘’gifted young footballer who made everyone smile’’.
Stingrays president Mick Woods said the club was more than happy to erect a permanent memorial for the much-loved Connor.
‘’Ash was a great player for this club and more importantly a great person,’’ he said.
‘’She will always be remembered as the ultimate club person. We are honoured that we can do this at the very least.’’
Connor had been an integral part of the Stingrays squad at the the time of her passing after joining from Macarthur in 2009.
The talented striker scored a “typical Ash Connor headed-goal’’ when the Stingrays hammered Macarthur 6-1 in the 2009 grand final.
Later that year Connor got a start in the Central Coast Mariners’ W-League side alongside Stingrays’ teammates Michelle Heyman, Sam Spackman, Caitlin Cooper and Trudy Camilleri.
Connor returned to lead the Stingrays attack in 2010 and to another grand final win. Once again she scored to help the Stingrays beat Inter Lions 2-0.
Connor also suited up for the Australian under-20’s during her promising young footballing career.
But those at the Stingrays will always remember a “cheeky footballer’’ who loved the game and her team-mates.
‘’Before Ash’s passing she gave everyone a taste of her cheekiness during a game,’’ McKie said.
“A long ball put through by team mate Ann Mayo saw Ash turn and discreetly slip the ball up her shirt and take off unassumingly until the referee realised what happened.
“She picked up a yellow card but everyone in the crowd missed that because they were laughing so hard.’’
The Stingrays, and fellow ground occupants Coniston Football Club, will place a commemorative bench and plaque on the North Western Hill to remember the popular striker.
The hill is a popular spot for players to sit on match days.
All players past and present from the club’s 10-year history are invited to attend the Dedication Day on Saturday, October 31.
