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Johnny MullaghPrint Page Print this page

30-October-2020
30-October-2020

Photographs supplied by Josie Sangster

The sculpture commemorates Johnny Mullagh the star of the aboriginal cricket team which toured England in 1868.  He was a skilful all-rounder, being a right arm bowler and right-handed batsman. The Hamilton Spectator sponsored a district subscription for an obelisk to his memory at the 'Mullagh oval' in Harrow. 

Mullagh participated in two all-Aboriginal tours of England in the 1860s, and won admiration and respect from the European community at a time when Aboriginal people were generally not accorded much respect.  

He was born in Australia in 1841 on Mullagh Station, a member of the Jardwadjali people, about 16 kilometres north of Harrow, and learned to play cricket whilst working on the adjoining Pine Hills agricultural property. He was given the name "Black Johnny" to distinguish him from a "White Johnny".

Also known by his traditional name Unaarrimin (he was given the name 'Mullagh' to identify him with his place of birth), he played 47 matches on the 1868 England tour, scoring 1698 runs at an average of around 20 on pitches that were often treacherous.  Spectators considered him the equal of any English batter. He also bowled 1877 overs, 831 of which were maidens, and took 245 wickets at 10 apiece. 

 

Location

Address:1 Blair Street, Harrow Discovery Centre, Harrow, 3317
State:VIC
Area:AUS
GPS Coordinates:Lat: -37.165967
Long: 141.592555
Note: GPS Coordinates are approximate.
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Details

Monument Type:Sculpture
Monument Theme:People
Sub-Theme:Sport
Artist:Smiley Wilson
Link:http://adbonline.anu.edu.au/adbonli…

Dedication

Actual Monument Dedication Date:Sunday 18th April, 2004
Front Inscription

 

 

Left Side Inscription

Johnny Mullagh.

Unaarrimin.

Born c. 1843 Died 1891.

Played 45 matches on the 1868 tour of England, scoring 1698 runs at an average of 23.65, with the highest score of 94 against Reading. Captured 245 wickets at 10.00.

Right Side Inscription

Hero of the 'First Eleven' Aboriginal cricket team and known for his elegance, grace and deftness.

Johnny Mullagh is buried in Harrow Cemetery with his bat and a set of stumps tied together in Harrow colours.

Source: MA,ADB
Monument details supplied by Monument Australia - www.monumentaustralia.org.au