Joan Halpin
Contributed by Sue Hackett
Edited by Arthur Todd
Joan Halpin was born 3 June 1922 in Subiaco, the only child of Grace and Stan Crisp. She married George Halpin, only child of Emily and Thomas Halpin of Nedlands, on 31st January 1948.
The couple moved to Katanning in March 1949, living in Adam St, where George was first post-war advisor of the West Australian Department of Agriculture in the Southern-Central Wheatbelt. From September 1950 to February 1954, they lived in Kellerberrin when he was employed by International Harvester.
He re-joined Agriculture Department in 1954 and was sent to Moora as OIC. In March of 1955, the family returned to Katanning where George was appointed OIC and was the Wheat and Sheep man. They lived first in the Agriculture Department house at 8 Braeside Ave before purchasing Dr Pope’s house at 40 Clive St where they lived until 1972 when they moved to Yokine (Perth).
Joan was a very successful golfer having played State and local golf for most of the years in Katanning. An old leg injury finally called a halt to the long walking required. She and George were both very active in St Patrick’s Parish. Joan produced the Parish bulletins, as well as being the organist at all three weekend Masses for many years as well as playing the organ at many weddings. She was one of the mothers who introduced Oslo lunches to the Canteen at St Patrick’s school.
The couple eventually built a home on the canals at South Yunderup and spent many happy years here on the water’s edge. They finally moved in to Pinjarra after the large block in Yunderup proved too difficult to maintain and, six months later on 30 March 1994, Joan died suddenly and unexpectedly as she was very healthy there.
Newspaper Reports
From the Great Southern Herald – 1959
Mrs J. Halpin wins Open and Closed Championships at Pingelly
Playing brilliantly, Katanning Club associate, Mrs J.Halpin, won both the open and closed championships at the Upper Great Southern Championship meeting at Pingelly last week. Runner-up in both events was Mrs T. McGuckin with Mrs. H. McGuckin winning the nine-hole stableford competition.
Local Fixtures
Last Saturday, in a stableford, Mrs J Halpin bogied the course with 73 off the stick and earned 39 points. Mrs McGuckin with an 81 also carded 39 points. After a count-back, Mrs McGuckin was declared outright winner and Silver division winner.
State Side Selected
From the West Australian
August, 1959
Country players Lynette Ipsen, Gloria Smith and Joan Halpin have been included in the State women’s golf team to play in the interstate matches in the Australian championships which will start at Royal Perth on 25 August 1959.
Other members of the team are Maxine Bishop, Eileen Dawson and Pat Higgins. Edith Watts, of Nedlands, is non-playing captain. Mrs. Dawson and Miss Bishop, of Royal Perth, have now been named in twelve State sides; Miss Higgins, of Nedlands, has been in six and Miss Ipsen, of Manjimup, in three.
This is the first time that Collie left-hander Mrs. Smith and Mrs. Halpin, of Katanning,have been in the State side. Mrs Halpin was reserve in 1957.
Joan Halpin makes State Team
From the Great Southern Herald
August, 1959
The Katanning Associates champion, Mrs Joan Halpin, has been selected in the State team, and will be one of three country women who will take part in the interstate matches of the Australian Championships, which will be played at Royal Perth, commencing on August 25. Although Mrs Halpin was named reserve in 1957, this is the first time she has been picked in the State team.
Ex-Katanning player Mrs Eileen Dawson, now a member of Royal Perth, has been named a member of the State team again, making it her twelfth. Mrs Dawson was beaten 3/1 in the State championship title last Friday when she went down to Lynnette Ipsen of Manjimup.
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