NRL 2022: Panthers icon John Farragher topples chairman at Penrith football club elections

David O’Neill presided over Penrith’s third premiership win just four months ago but he’s been ousted as Panthers chairman.

John Farragher has toppled chairman David O’Neill at Penrith’s football club elections. Picture: Toby Zerna

In a stunning election result, Panthers icon John Farragher has toppled chairman David O’Neill at Penrith’s football club elections.

Farragher, who will now join the club’s seven-man board for the next two years, immediately promised “transparency” at the club.

It is a staggering result for O’Neill, who presided over the club’s third premiership win just four months ago. He is close to coach Ivan Cleary and club CEO Brian Fletcher.

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The four Panthers directors to retain positions at the election were Greg Alexander, Mark Mulock, Robert Wearn and Ian Hicks.

O’Neill had run for re-­election but was rolled by the members. It is unknown who will claim the chairmanship.

The election process had presented significant challenges for Farragher, 64.

“This (win) is right up there in my life,’’ Farragher said.

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John Farragher is hoping to win a spot on the Panthers board. Picture: Toby Zerna

“Being a father is number one, playing football was second and overcoming what I have is up there as well.

“I’m overwhelmed. I’m very, very happy. I just hope I can fulfil what I want to fulfil for the club. I want to bring a bit of transparency and do the best I can.

“This will be a challenge. I’ve had a number of challenges in my life so I’m certainly up for it.

“I look forward to the next couple of years working with the current directors and doing my best for the club, members and staff.

“I’m so grateful for all the support I received. It was overwhelming. The club has been fantastic to me over the years.

“I’d just like to wish the other directors all the best, particularly Dave O’Neill for what he achieved at the club.”

John Farragher played seven games for the Panthers before he was injured when a scrum collapsed on him in 1978.

Ahead of the election, Farragher discussed his achievements since becoming a quadriplegic during a match in 1978.

“I went to the leagues club the other day and there were so many people who told me how good that article was,” Farragher said.

Former Penrith general manager and coach Phil Gould took to social media to applaud Farragher.

“Congratulations to champion bloke John Farragher on his election to the Panthers board over the weekend,” Gould posted.

“Great Panther man. Wonderful employee of the club for over 40 years. Great recognition from the members. He is a real asset to the club.”

John Farragher and then Prime Minister Malcolm Turbull open the Panthers Rugby League Academy in 2016. Picture: AAP Image/Paul Miller

The highly respected Farragher retired in November after working for 40 years at Panthers in public relations and as a concierge.

O’Neill leaves having made a wonderful contribution since being elected to the board in 2013, including luring Cleary back to the Panthers.

There are two other independents on the board are Peter Graham and Chris Terry.