We are devastated at the news of the passing of Peter Callinan, a much-loved member of our community.

Peter has suffered in recent years from a heart defect that he had lived with since birth. He had waited three years for a transplant and his gift arrived late in June. But there were complications, and a subsequent stroke, and Cal died last Friday, aged 51, with his family at his bedside.

Pete's connection to our club spanned decades, and his contribution was significant. In 1997, Pete, along with his great mate Pat Hawkins started the U19(2)'s — a game changer that brought so many more young men into our club. Pete became a huge part of the U19 program through that era, headlined by the U19(1) sides being Premiers and Champions in both 1998 and 1999, and the 40 consecutive wins that still stand as a VAFA record. He went on to coach the 2007 Reserves to a premiership and followed that up with glory for the U19 Premier side in 2015.

His coaching journey took him further afield too — as assistant coach at Collegians in 2006, part of a Premier B flag, and as senior coach of Kew in 2017. But these sojourns were brief, as his blood ran red and black.

Cal taught at Kostka Hall, with stints at Manresa and in the Xavier Boarding House. Many of the young men flourishing at our club now from U19s to Seniors had strong connections to Pete, who made it his business to support and mentor young people.

Pete’s father Chris, who passed away in 2023, was a powerful figure at the OXFC and OXA, and was later Chair of the Xavier Foundation. His love of the red and black no doubt influenced and inspired Pete's call to service. It was a call that Cal answered with relish.

Peter is survived by his beloved wife, Ali; his son, Paddy (Year 12); his daughters, Emily (playing at WOX) and Maggie; and his mother, Mary. His brother Mike also has strong ties to the club, and was an U19 Premiership player in 1999.  His nephew, Sam Noonan, is also currently playing within the Thirds program. We extend our most sincere sympathies to them in this time of great sorrow.

We will add the details of Pete's funeral when they are known.

A club such as Old Xaverians flourishes because of the work of good people. Peter Callinan was one of those and he gave us plenty. The OXFC is a better place because of him.

Rest easy now, Pete. You'll be deeply missed, but remembered by all us.

Ave atque vale. Hail and farewell.

You can share your memories of Pete Callinan by emailing them here. They will be added to this post.

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