Page 15 - ABF Newsletter August 2025

would unwind with a dram and a debrief, often full of stories and laughter.
It was through bridge that Sean met Mary Dietz, thanks to an introduction from Peter Gill. Mary and Sean built a family together, raising four remarkable children: Max, D’Arcy, Emily and Brigette. Sean was immensely proud of them and what he and Mary had achieved.
In January 2016, while running the Summer Festival, Sean suffered a heart attack and then a stroke. It changed his life overnight. Months in hospital and rehab couldn’t restore his former strength, but Sean remained determined. He worked hard to regain mobility, improve his communication and return to the bridge table.
Supported by his friends and the Canberra bridge community, he made a triumphant return. In his very first attempt, with his good friend and partner, Arjuna de Livera, he qualified for the ACT Seniors Team and reached the national final.
In the years that followed, Sean partnered with friends Ian Thomson and David Hoffman – each time qualifying for the ANC. This year, once again part- nered with Peter Reynolds, he made the team, but tragically passed away just weeks before the event.
“Sean was a fantastic guy.” You’ll hear that again and again, and it couldn’t be more true. He was a loving brother, generous, intelligent, principled, and quietly proud of the life he lived. He loved his family, he loved his friends, and he loved his bridge.
He leaves behind a legacy of kindness, integrity, and passion. And those of us who knew and loved him are the better for it.
Matt Mullamphy
The passing of Sean Mullamphy is a real loss to the Australian bridge community.
Sean was one of many reasons why Australia’s stan- dard of Bridge directing is very high. Most are cour- teous, competent, approachable and pleasant.
Like other commendable qualities of good directors Sean exuded calmness, self assurance and relaxed good humour, and of course an authoritative pres- ence – not overbearing – but with a sound knowl- edge of the laws and fair jurisprudence.
I vividly recall first meeting Sean at a State event in Sydney in the mid 1980s and was immediately impressed by his courteous, gracious and urbane manner. He may have modelled himself on the ex- emplary John Brockwell, the foundation director of Canberra’s Nationals from the 1970’s.
I didn’t always agree with Sean’s decisions, but came to highly regard his gracious responses of mutual respect. He was always open to contrary views.
After an appeal against one of his decisions (the only one I ever managed to win), he casually joined us in a queue at the airport and chatted as if nothing had happened. I was greatly impressed.
Sean will be greatly missed, but his spirit contin- ues to live on and the Australian bridge world is the better for his contributions.
Charles Klassen
Sean with Roy Nixon and Allison Stralow
Australian Bridge Federation Ltd. Newsletter: August 2025
Page: 15