By Russell Bennett
Matthew ‘Hibby’ Hibbert was one of life’s great, genuine characters and his sudden passing just a few days ago is being sorely felt in the local sporting community.
Hibby was most recently the club secretary at the Catani Cricket Club but also played both junior and senior cricket at Western Park and footy for his beloved Warragul Industrials, and was also a proud and passionate Melbourne Demons person.
Catani Cricket Club president Brad ‘Snags’ McDonald has been part of a large chorus of voices in recent days expressing their sadness over a life lost far too soon.
“On behalf of the committee, players and supporters of the Catani Cricket Club, we would like to express our shock and sadness after the tragic passing of our great mate, Hibby,” he said.
“Hibby was not only a player and a team-mate but our club secretary, and a larger than life character who was quick-witted and had a great sense of humour.
“His personality really did endear him to everyone at the club, and nobody had a bad word to say about him.
“Although he only came to the club a few years ago, he fell in love with the place instantly and took on the role as secretary in only his second year with us.
“Hibby also insisted on taking on the social media role at the club and made the club Facebook page his own, and he always did a great job in representing us in a professional and positive manner.
“As a club we have lost a piece of us that can never be replaced. To say this loss has hit us all hard is a huge understatement – especially our younger players who absolutely loved Hibby and his cheeky sense of humour.
“We carry with us some very fond memories and countless funny stories about a great mate, a loyal clubman and ripping bloke and they can never be taken away from us.”
The funeral for Matthew Hibbert will be held this coming Thursday, 22 June at the Warragul Community Church, 1-29 Wills Street, Warragul at 1.30pm. All Catani players and club members who attend are being asked to wear either their club polo top or one-day top as the Cats will be holding a guard of honour after the conclusion of the service.
The Dusties had a massive 127-point win over Poowong on Sunday in the Ellinbank and District Football League (EDFL). Prior to the game at Western Park, club members, supporters, and friends and family of Hibby were invited to come together in a minute’s silence in his honour.
