Like Granville’s Ned Doherty, Frank Doherty was born in Ireland. The pair were not related but became inseparable friends and even boarded together in Sydney. Frank played alongside Ned for the Granville club from about 1912.
Formerly a sailor in the Royal Navy, Frank enlisted in the AIF in early 1915. He served at Gallipoli and on the Western Front and was wounded on two separate occasions, both requiring long stays in hospital. In 1917 Frank was awarded the Military Cross for distinguished service. Just like his mate Ned, Frank met his wife while on furlough in Ireland. Unlike Frank and Ned, their wives were related, being first cousins.
Shortly after returning to Australia, Frank’s wounds turned septic and he died at his home in May 1919. Ned Doherty had just arrived back in Australia and managed to make it to Frank’s bedside before he died.