I remember the night I met David Morrow as though it were yesterday. Unbelievably it was fifty years ago. I have no idea why I was at the Bathurst Leagues Club early on a hot Sunday evening, but thirst may have had something to do with it. I was waiting my turn to order a beer at the downstairs bar when approached by a fresh faced “twenty something” with a surplus of wavy brown hair. Dave’s legion of friends in later life won’t be one bit surprised that the downstairs bar was the point of contact.
He explained that his first radio job had been with 2KM Kempsey which later springboarded him into a position as a general sports reporter with 2BS Bathurst. He told me about his duties for the prominent western station and expressed a fervent desire to pursue a full time career in sports broadcasting. He didn’t stipulate a particular avenue of sport, but even then you got the feeling he’d handle any challenge. He was articulate, intelligent and clearly knowledgeable. I got a snapshot that night of a promising career waiting to happen.
Reports of David Morrow’s burgeoning talents inevitably reached the ears of talent scouts at major media outlets, and nobody was surprised when the twenty seven year old was signed by the ABC in 1980. They probably didn’t know where to use him initially, but were well aware they had a utility player who’d be effective wherever they placed him. All David Morrow needed was reasonable notice and a microphone.
His race calling talents first emerged when he got the call to replace the retiring Andy Vincent on the ABC’s popular Friday night television coverage of the Harold Park trots. The telecast was hosted from the studio by veteran Norman May and featured live coverage of later races on the programme. Replays of all earlier events were shown immediately after the last race. David enjoyed the trots and was bitterly disappointed when the ABC made the decision to discontinue the service in 1987.
He was paid the ultimate compliment in 1990 when Geoff Mahoney hung up his binoculars after a distinguished thirty three years of race calling for the ABC’s vast network. David stepped seamlessly into the new role, and for the following five years gained a faithful following as resident caller from Sydney’s four major metropolitan racetracks.
Between races in the Rosehill broadcast box 1990s.
His loyal assistant and co- presenter was journalist Mike Ko’cass who was shattered to learn of his old friend’s passing. “David and I were devastated when the ABC decided to discontinue its famous racing coverage in 1995,” said Mike. “The five years I spent alongside the great man in the broadcasting box were among the happiest of my life. We worked harmoniously together and I can’t remember having a cross word with him. We had a similar sense of humour which generated many funny moments. His race calling talents matched his prowess in calling many other sports. He was a great broadcaster.”
Birthday celebrations for the legendary commentator.
In view of the time he spent on Sydney racecourses you wonder how David found the time to establish one of the most astonishing CV’s in sports broadcasting history. This remarkable performer was a valued member of the commentary teams for eight Olympic Games and six at Commonwealth level. He covered forty two seasons of NRL competition. He seemed equally at home calling horse racing, cricket, all codes of football and track and field - always cool, confident, informative and entertaining. His delivery was highlighted by a strong and “easy on the ear” delivery. After 34 years with the ABC, David accepted an invitation in 2015 to join 2GB where he established instant rapport with his new colleagues.
The last time I saw him socially was at a pre Christmas luncheon hosted by well known racing man Mick Doyle at his family’s famous seafood restaurant at Watson’s Bay. David looked well, sounded bright and gave no hint of the dreadful diagnosis that was only weeks away. The ravages of a brain tumour triggered a rapid decline. He entered palliative care just two weeks ago, before slipping away on Thursday of last week with wife Kris by his side.
Tributes have flowed at an overwhelming rate. “David was one of the great voices of the game,” said Peter V’Landys. “He was recognised around the nation for his wit, insight and knowledge. He was a champion in every sense of the word.”
2GB colleague Ray Hadley was clearly emotional when he confirmed David’s passing on the station last week. “I’ve worked with a lot of people over a long period of time, and there’s little doubt he was the most versatile sports commentator I’ve known,” said Ray. “He was also a very decent man. He’ll be sadly missed.”
2GB’s Mark Levy was another to express grief after David’s passing. “I’ll forever cherish memories of my time working alongside David Morrow. It was a joy to learn from him and to marvel at his extraordinary ability.”
Dave was chuffed with his induction into the SCG Hall of Fame.
Perhaps Ray Warren was the only sports broadcaster of the era to go close to emulating David’s versatility. He was quick to pay tribute to his great contemporary. “He was your typical Aussie bloke, brilliantly versatile at his craft of sports commentary and never lacking a smile.”
David was the recipient of the OAM as far back as 2005 in recognition of his services to sport, sports broadcasting and the community. His induction into the SCG Media Hall Of Fame a few years ago was warmly received. The most touching accolade of all was announced only last week when the NRL Hall Of Fame Committee unanimously signed off on his induction at an official dinner next month. Ray Hadley was close to tears when he relayed the news to David last week.
Colleagues will treasure their own precious memories of time spent in the company of David William Morrow. I’ll remember the regular chats we had between races at the Sydney tracks, and occasional “catch ups” like the one at Doyle’s Restaurant last December. But mere mention of his name will always take me back to the chance meeting with the wide eyed young man at the Bathurst Leagues Club more than half a century ago. How could I have known I was in the presence of a man destined to become a legend in the only career he ever wanted.
To Kris, Emily and Lucy our most heartfelt condolences. To you David Morrow thanks for setting the benchmark of excellence which will serve as an inspiration to the sports broadcasters of tomorrow.
And cheers to you too Dave. Thanks for the memories.
(Banner image - David William Morrow OAM - A marvel behind the microphone - courtesy NRL)