Shane ‘Ace’ Tyler has had his nickname since he was two. His father, Frank, had to help explain the origins of this nickname for life.By Glen Atwell
MOST interesting nicknames are coined at primary school, football clubs or workplaces, but Shane ‘Ace’ Tyler’s nickname came calling before he could utter a word in protest.
With the nickname originating long before Shane was even aware of his real name, he barely knew how it came about.
The 28yearold mechanic had to confirm with his dad, Frank, that his nickname was coined when he was just two years old.
The fatherson team operates Tyler’s Garage in Maryknoll.
“I can’t remember it or when it started,” Shane said. “I’ve had it since my earliest memories.
“I think it was a family friend.”
Frank said Shane Noonan, a close friend, took a liking to his younger namesake and called Shane ‘Ace’ every time he saw him.
“It soon caught on and everyone was calling him Ace,” Frank said.
But Frank maintains he has always known his son as Shane.
“It’s not Shane just when he is in trouble; it’s Shane full stop,” Frank said.
Shane said the nickname travelled with him to school and then through his football career.
“I played for Nar Nar Goon, but play at Buln Buln now and when new blokes come to the club, they have no idea who S. Tyler is,” he said.
“It’s Ace to everyone.”
But Frank said Shane was hardly an ace in the workshop.
“He likes to think he is,” Frank said. “But he’s not as good as me.”
