Thomas Joseph Corrigan was an Australian rules footballer who played for Fitzroy in the Victorian Football League, and Nothcote in the VFA during the 1920s and 1930s.
17 Facts About Tommy Corrigan
Tommy Corrigan died of peritonitis that had been mis-diagnosed as influenza by a RAAF doctor whilst serving in the RAAF during the Second World War.
The son of Thomas Joseph Tommy Corrigan, a barber, and Amelia Louisa "Millie" Tommy Corrigan, nee McIntosh, he was born in North Melbourne on 24 February 1903; a younger brother, Don, was born two years later.
Tommy Corrigan's mother was protective of her children, and his father was a difficult man.
Tommy Corrigan attended a local school, and displayed early talent at both cricket and football.
Tommy Corrigan played football at school, and then for various district junior sides.
Tommy Corrigan was Fitzroy's first-choice centre man for his entire career.
Tommy Corrigan played 16 senior games in 1923, including the Grand Final against Essendon, which Fitzroy lost by 17 points.
Tommy Corrigan played 17 senior games in 1924, including three "round robin" final games, 17 senior games in 1925,16 senior games in 1926,15 senior games in 1927, and 11 games in 1928, his final season with Fitzroy.
Tommy Corrigan left Fitzroy after the 1928 season and went on to play with Northcote.
Tommy Corrigan missed Northcote's 1929 Grand-Final victory, due to a leg injury.
Tommy Corrigan played his last senior match for Northcote, playing in the centre, against Coburg, on Saturday 7 October 1933, in the Grand-Final.
At the tribunal hearing on 17 October 1933, Tommy Corrigan was suspended for six matches.
On 20 June 1934, Tommy Corrigan was granted re-registration with Northcote by the VFA Permit and Umpire Committee.
Tommy Corrigan was renowned for his kindness and compassion for the poor and the unemployed, in the midst of the depression, in one of the most badly affected areas of Melbourne.
Tommy Corrigan was still working in this position when he enlisted in the RAAF.
Tommy Corrigan died within 30 minutes of his admission to the military hospital: of peritonitis caused by a burst appendix.