David with Justin Fleming.
The Boorowa community is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of local sports legend, David “Croc” Corcoran. Both the Boorowa Rovers Rugby League Club and the Boorowa Rugby Union Club issued online statements in memory of the much-loved and dedicated community member whose passing will leave a hole in their ranks.
The Boorowa Rovers issued the following statement:
The Boorowa Rovers Rugby League Club would like to acknowledge the passing of David “Croc” Corcoran.
Dave was a proud contributor to Boorowa footy, dedicating so much of his life to the game and the local community. In 1979, he played a season with the Rovers while also lining up for the Goldies—playing on a Saturday and backing up for the Rovers on a Sunday. That commitment speaks volumes about his passion for local football and his love for Boorowa.
A talented player and respected figure, Dave’s impact on those around him, not just on the footy field, but within the community will not be forgotten.
Our thoughts are with his family and friends during this difficult time.
Rest easy, Croc
The Rugby Union Club issued to following statement:
Vale David ‘Croc’ Corcoran (21.08.1955 – 23.3.2026)
The Boorowa Rugby Club would like to acknowledge the passing of life member David ‘Croc’ Corcoran. Croc was a true legend of the Club and over his life there weren’t many roles he didn’t take on. As a player he was key to the back line throughout the 70’s & 80’s and in 1980 he took on the role of Captain/Coach. He was Vice-Captain for various teams over the years including the notorious 1985 1st XV premiership winning team. His footy skills were good enough to earn him a place in the representative South-West team. Croc was so dedicated to Boorowa footy that in 1979 he played both codes, having a run for the Goldies on a Saturday and backed up for the Boorowa Rovers on a Sunday. Many years later Dave still talked about how good it was playing alongside Pat Carmody in the centres for both codes.
Dave’s commitment to the club went far beyond the playing field, he served as club Secretary in the late 1970s before being elected Club President from 1979-1980. He was also known to put pen to paper as correspondent for the Boorowa News under the pen name ‘The Black Dot’. He managed all these roles whilst still being a dedicated family man. This balance was put to the test for the 1985 Grand Final when the birth of Dave’s second child was imminent. But Dave managed to play and win the game on Saturday, participate whole heartedly in silly Sunday activities and get Anne to the hospital Monday in time for Tim’s arrival. Although, upon reflection, Anne thinks maybe she should’ve driven herself.
In the late 1980s his commitment was acknowledged with Dave being awarded Life Membership of the Club. His dedication didn’t stop there, Dave continued to be a key part of the Club for many years. In 2020 this was acknowledged with Dave receiving the award for Club Person of the Year. He was always on deck to give a hand to Cheese as coach and was his biggest fan. During this time Dave became like a father figure to the whole team, and was known to loiter around the end of training huddle on a Thursday until one of the boys would say, “get in here Croc” and he would join the circle for the team chat, a moment Cheese will greatly miss. He was first to put his hand up to cook a BBQ after Tuesday training, a sponsor, proud supporter & a reliable volunteer who was so proud of how the team has played over the last 10 years and the way they uphold the values he helped build.
Dave Corcoran truly embodies what it means to have a Heart of Gold; few people have given what he has to the club and over the period of which he continued to give it. Dave’s kindness and generosity extended well beyond the Boorowa Rugby Club, just ask anyone who had the privilege of knowing him. Dave will be missed by so many, and the club wishes to extend its condolences to Anne, Cheese & Julia, Tim & Lo, Lou & Matt, their kids and all of Dave’s extended family and many friends.
Rest in Peace Dave, the community of Rugby and the town of Boorowa has lost one of its all-time greats.
A Catholic Mass to celebrate David’s life will be held on Wednesday 8th April 2026, at St Patrick’s Catholic Church Boorowa, commencing at 1.00pm.
Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend.
In leiu of flowers, donations may be made in Memory of David at the service to NeuroEndocrine Cancer Australia, or via this link:
https://fundraise.neuroendocrine.org.au/s/677/1013/s
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