We extend our deepest sympathy to the O’Beirne families on the passings of brothers Michael Anthony O’Beirne (SPC 1947-52, PY1953) and James (Jim) John O’Beirne (SPC 1950-54, PY1955). Michael and Jim were boarders from Horsham.
Michael passed away on 16 December 2024, aged 89 years and his Funeral Liturgy was held at St Mary’s Catholic Church, in Hamilton on 20 December 2024. We extend our sympathy to Michael’s family including wife Pat and family, Jennifer, James (Jimmy) (dec) and Jane, Peter and Sue, Michelle, Mark and Leeann, Glenn and Ann-Maree and Tony. Michael was also a grandfather of 12 and is now “resting in peace (and) remembered with love”.
Jim sadly passed away a few months earlier on 1 August 2024, aged 86 years after a long battle with acute myeloid leukemia, and seven years after the passing of his adored wife Kathleen. He was the father of Ann-Maree, John (dec), Donna, Catherine, Susan, Lisa and Patrick and a grandfather to 12, and great grandpa to four.
Jim was a great fan of the Geelong Cats AFL team and he passed away at home in Melbourne with his children and loyal corgi, Bob, by his side.
Jim’s funeral was held at St Bernard’s Catholic Church in Belmont on 9 August 2024.
Jim enjoyed catching up with Old Collegians in later life. He started in First Year at SPC and completed his Leaving Certificate.
He was involved in rowing, and was a talented tennis player. He was part of the Tennis First Four in his Leaving Year and was named the Under 15 tennis champion in Second Year.
His older brother Michael was also very sports-minded. His studies at SPC began in the junior classes and he excelled at sport, also in tennis, as well as boxing and cricket.
In his first year, Michael tied as Under Five Stone boxing champion with R. Jackson and by the following year, Michael was named the 1948 SPC boxing champion.
Michael also excelled in tennis and was named the Under 13 tennis champion in 1947 and was part of the winning Tennis IV team to bring home the Tennis Premiership and McNeil Cup in 1952.
Michael also loved playing cricket and was a member of the College’s First XI Cricket team for three years running, where SPC finished as runners-up in 1950, were crowned champions in 1951 and co-premiers in the Ballarat Public Schools competition in 1952.
In the 1951-52 College Annual, Michael is described as a “diminutive, right-hand batsman, possessing all attributes of a class batsman. Good footwork, stout defence and a wide range of scoring strokes.”
Michael also tried his hand at footy, playing for Treacy in the 1950 Shed Competition.
Jim and Michael both led fulfilling lives and are greatly missed by their families.
