The FUGS regret to inform of the passing of KEITH SHIELS, after a long battle with cancer. Keith died on Tuesday May 5 and the private funeral was held on Friday 15 May in Bowen.
Keith was one of the Uni greats during our golden era of the early 70s. With the Club jam packed with talent, they were the dominant force in the early 70s. With Keith Shiels leading the way The Uni Saints won premierships in 1970 and 1971. Keith was a great tactical footballer, with a deceptive running style, a master at putting support players through gaps, and a great team man.
He represented Townsville in the Foley Shield and after leaving JCU also played in the Whitsunday Foley Shield team and was regarded by his peers as the best ball playing forward that ever wore the Whitsunday jersey.
Keith was a maths/science teacher at the Bowen State High School from 1973 until his retirement in 2001. However, retirement did not end his relationship with the school he loved, nor the game he loved, as Keith coached the high school football team from 1973 to 2014.
On Sunday 6th September there will be celebration of Keith’s Bowen high school career with games played in Under 15s and opens. The school football/athletics oval will be named the ‘Keith Shiels Memorial Sporting Oval’ and a scoreboard is being erected as part of the celebrations. (Donations can be made to Bowen State High School through BSB 064-803 – Acc no. 00090183 - Ref: ’Keith Shiels’)
The FUGS and Uni Rugby League salute one of our greats, KEITH SHIELS.