A special plaque commemorating Maitland legend, boxer Les Darcy, was re-unveiled in front of dozens of people in East Maitland on Wednesday, to mark 100 years since the young man known as The Maitland Wonder died.
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The plaque has been embedded in a wall at O’Neill’s Tyres in Melbourne Street for more than 60 years, the site of a former blacksmith’s shop where Darcy worked as an apprentice in the early 20th century.
Maitland Lions Club and Maitland City Council re-unveiled the plaque as part of a range of commemorative events to pay tribute to the Hunter hero this week.
“This year is 100 years since his tragic death in the United States, but our club also reflected on the fact that 2017 is also the 100-year anniversary of the existence of Lions Clubs overall,” Maitland Lions Club president Paul Burnham said.
“We thought that was a fabulous connection.”
Maitland Mayor Cr Peter Blackmore joined Mr Burnham in unveiling the plaque.
“Les Darcy lived a short but very special life,” Cr Blackmore said.
“He was a champion boxer, but he was also so much more than that because he had a real affect on almost everyone he met and he conducted himself in such a mature and respectable way.
“I think that’s why we’re still celebrating his life 100 years on.
“His legend lives on through all the great stories we hear about not only his boxing feats, but also his character, charm, incredible work ethic and his ability to inspire a nation.”
