One of SPC’s history-making rowers, Aaron McInerney (SPC 1989-91), sadly passed away on 3 November 2025, aged 52 years.
Aaron was part of the 1990 Firsts’ crew to win SPC’s first Ballarat Head of the Lake title in 29 years.
The crew, made up of Robert Calnon (bow), Aaron (second), Danny Hayter (third), Anthony Edwards (stroke) and Daniel Morgan (cox), became known as the “drought breakers” after their win.
Their rowing boat hangs from the ceiling of SPC’s main hallway to this day.
A Funeral Mass was held for Aaron at St Joseph’s Catholic Church in Timboon on 10 November, with a large number of Old Boys in attendance, including some of his 1990 Head of the Lake crew mates.
Aaron was a full-time boarder from Timboon, along with his brother Matthius (SPC 1988-93). Aaron was a member of the Legion of Mary and the football program, however it was rowing where he excelled.
He was a member of the sixths crew in his first year at the College (Year 10) in 1989, and was elevated to the Firsts crew in 1990.
Very much the underdogs, news reports from the day recorded SPC establishing a half-length lead by the halfway stage of the 2000-metre event, holding on to win by that margin.
Ballarat and Clarendon College finished second with 1989’s winner Ballarat and Queens Anglican Grammar School third.
While St Patrick’s won the inaugural Head-of-the-Lake in 1914, The Courier newspaper reported “Saturday’s victory rivalled any of the 10 subsequent titles”.
The father-son coaching combination of Kevin and Chris O’Brien reported describing the win as “like a dream”.
Aaron and the Firsts’ crew won the SPC Rowing Award in 1990, and Aaron received the award again in 1991. He and his crew finished fourth in the Head of the Lake in 1991.
Aaron was remembered as “a strong and proud boarder”. After completing Year 12 at SPC, Aaron undertook a plumbing apprenticeship. He was remembered as “being fastidious with his plumbing work and always took pride with delivering a quality service and product”.
Aaron also worked offshore on various oil rigs internationally and was well respected by the workers he supervised. Aaron worked interstate on gas lines in remote locations interstate.
He also worked as a cray fisherman on boats out of Port Campbell close to Timboon, his home.
Aaron’s mother Lynette made mention that he had a real connection with the water and ocean, which was demonstrated with high level achievements in his swimming as a junior, rowing at SPC, kayaking and surfing.
He had a smile that will always be remembered.
Aaron was the much-loved father of Patrick. He was the son of John and Lynette, and a loved brother and loved uncle. We extend our sympathy to Aaron’s extended family and friends.
