25/03/2026
Written by Martin Cook
The Dubbo CYMS family lost one of the true great men of our club when Brian ‘Raf’ Madden passed away on the 12th March 2026, aged 91.
All CYMS supporters and members are invited to celebrate Raf’s life tomorrow, Thursday 26th March, 11am at St Brigids Catholic Church, followed by interment at the Western Districts Memorial Park Lawn Cemetery.
Brian married the late Philomenia Ryan in 1955 and soon afterwards they had their first son Paul.
Paul fondly remembers his childhood being trips to Number One oval each week to watch CYMS play:
“We would always go to the CYMS games. It was a way of life for dad and I loved it too.
“Dad played for CYMS in the Saturday pub comp before they entered Group XI and he has supported them ever since.
“He just loved the club. He was so one eyed. If CYMS had a bad game, it was always the refs fault,” Paul concluded.
Sadly, Brian lost his wife Philomenia and his eldest daughter Vicki, both to cancer, at a young age.
Despite such trauma in his life, Raf lived life to the fullest and always had a smile on his face.
Brian remarried and is survived by his beloved wife Nerrie, as well as their children Paul, Kelli, Brett, Shane and Terri-Lee.
Raf was a wonderful family man whose progeny included some of CYMS’ greatest legends.
Since 1972, when Paul made his debut for CYMS juniors, the Madden family has enjoyed an amazing 55 continuous years of representation where at least one member of the family wore green and white.
Raf’s sons’ Paul and Shane (Maddo), Brett Patterson and Craig Hill were all legends of the Green and White. So too Raf’s grandchildren who have played for CYMS, including Dylan and Britt Hill, Rory and Jordy Madden and great grandchildren Cooper Ferrari, Lilli Ferrari & Billy Hing.
The Madden’s representation continues in 2026 with Raf’s great grandson, Nate Ferrari, pulling on the boots for CYMS juniors. Over the years, Raf proudly watched his family play all grades at CYMS, including League Tag, and all with great success.
Raf himself was a pretty handy footballer. Maddo proudly talks of the 1952 blazer that hung in Raf’s wardrobe, commemorating his representation as the ho**er of that year’s under 18s minor-premiers Dubbo, in the Group XI competition. Brian also represented CYMS in the Saturday pub comp but retired prior to CYMS entering Group XI.
A skilled painter, Raf headed up BP Madden and Sons, where he worked with brother Doug and son Paul, until his retirement at age 68. Paul and Shane said he kept himself young, doing many little jobs after that.
Shane, one of CYMS’ all time greats and up there with the most capped players of all time, remembers his dad as a man who had very few worries: “Dad never complained about a thing. He was diagnosed with Dementia at 85 but I reckon he only went to the doctor 3 times in his whole life!”
Raf was an inaugural member of the Dubbo CYMS Old Boys and an ardent supporter of the Parramatta Eels.
A wonderful mate and great family man whose legacy continues at his favourite footy club, Dubbo CYMS. Gone but not forgotten. Rest in peace Raf.
