One of the Mornington Peninsula’s most outstanding sportsmen and colourful personalities, Brian “Cuey” McCue, passed away at his Somerville home last Friday.
Over a long and wildly successful career as a cricketer and administrator in the Mornington Peninsula Cricket Association, “Cuey” played in an incredible 10 club premierships and also dazzled in six successful Country Week campaigns for his beloved MPCA, where he was a Life Member.
He began his career at Mornington Diggers as a 13-year-old and, in 1967-68, headed to Mt Eliza Cricket Club, where he played in an astonishing six premierships.
He also had successful playing and coaching campaigns at Seaford, Balnarring, Heatherhill and Long Island.
In total, “Cuey” played 305 games and took 615 wickets over his career, culminating in his selection in the MPCA’s greatest team at the recent 60-year celebration in August.
“Cuey’s contribution to MPCA cricket was immeasurable as he coached and mentored generations of emerging cricketers, emphasising the importance of teamwork, leadership and commitment to club, teammates and supporters.
Anyone who knew “Cuey” would agree that post-game his social life rivalled his on-field successes. First into the social rooms and often last to leave, he was an historian and raconteur, always the life of the party and engaging company.
“Cuey’s” commitment to Peninsula cricket and sport in general was also evident over decades, where he published match reports and sporting updates in the local papers at the time.
In addition, he initiated a radio show in the 1980s which brought together personalities and provided listeners with match updates. This show continues to the present day on Peninsula radio station RPP.
More recently, “Cuey” initiated a number of feature MPCA games which capitalised on long-standing rivalries and provided a forum for past players and supporters to attend and socialise.
Mornington v Mt Eliza, Somerville v Mt Eliza and Long Island v Mt Eliza were among the beneficiaries.
Cuey made an indelible mark on his clubs and communities and can quite rightly be called a “legend”.
Sincere thoughts are extended to his wife Noelene and daughters Beck and Cass.
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