Rick McInerney remembered as a selfless person who loved sport

The Port Fairy and Warrnambool sporting communities have paid tribute to a much loved figure who was killed in a devastating cycling accident last week.

The Warrnambool and Port Fairy sporting community is mourning the loss of Rick McInerney, who has been described as a caring, considerate and selfless person.

McInerney died after colliding with a car on his bike while going for a ride in Illowa on Friday preparing for A Big Ride, an upcoming charity ride event in Warrnambool.

Police are still investigating the crash which happened at 7.15am.

He was 57-years-old.

McInerney was an avid table tennis player, a cyclist, and a cricket player, winning premierships wherever he went.

He moved to the Warrnambool and Port Fairy area a decade ago after living in Melbourne.

McInerney was a star at Heathmont Cricket Club, in Melbourne’s eastern suburbs, playing for more than two decades, winning three premierships and taking more than 480 wickets.

“Rick was (a) lion-hearted left arm opening bowler and a fierce competitor on the field,” the Heathmont Cricket Club executive committee said in a statement.

“He won nine bowling averages across various grades, with best bowling figures of 8-32 vs Croydon North in 1996-97 and 8-41 vs Wantirna South in 1988-89.

“Arguably his greatest performance was 7-70 in 1993-94 when he bowled 40 overs from one end all day.

“Rick won the Rita Pump Shield for Club Champion in 1994-95, the clubs most prestigious award.

“Rick served on the committee including years as bar (and) maintenance manager.

“He was a popular and humble person who will be sorely missed – RIP.”

The club wore black armbands and paid tribute to him after play on Saturday night.

His current club, North Warrnambool Eels, also paid their respects.

Rick McInerney will be remembered as a man who loved his cycling and was a valuable part of the Warrnambool community. Picture: Port Fairy Cycling Club.

When he joined the Eels were known as Woodford before it merged with Wangoom to form the club it is today.

Over the decade he played more than 70 matches, scored 614 runs and took 97 wickets.

He won three Division 3 premierships.

“Rick was selfless in anything that needed to be done for the club,” North Warrnambool Eels senior coach John Houston said.

“If we needed someone to do something or help with anything, he always put his hand up.

“He lived for his family, he was always talking about them and the passion outside his family was his sport.

“From a club and personal perspective, to the McInerney‘s and his extended family, please keep Rick‘s family in your thoughts and prayers and be there for them as a community and a club.”

The team wore black armbands on Saturday for their Division 1 and 2 clashes and were confident McInerney was there in spirit.

“We know he was watching on above Bushfield Oval, as Division 2 defended their score of 4/166 by taking a remarkable 6/10 to close out a spirited victory,” the club said.

The Port Fairy Cycling Club said McInerney was a valuable member of their club and he was looking forward to competing in the upcoming A Big Ride.

The club added he will be missed.

“Fellow cyclists remember Rick’s strength and quiet dedication to cycling for many years with his local community,” the club said.

“Memories include his care and consideration of others in the bunch, his welcome smile at Rebecca’s cafe on Sunday’s before the group ride, and his enjoyment of challenges that took him to Bright for the Alpine Classic and racing in his local club.

“Recently his sights were set on the A Big Ride.”

McInerney is survived by his wife Sharon and his children Ryan and Remy.

Funeral details will be released in the next few days.