Cricket Ireland President Robin Walsh pays tribute to the great Des Cashell, who donned the presidential blazer over 30 years ago in 1981; Robin writes about a man whose legacy will not be forgotten.
It was the saddest of coincidences. I had been writing my latest musings for the website on the subject of cricket dinners I have been enjoying over recent weeks. Of the Clontarf Club shindig on the last Friday in September I had observed: “It was full of pleasant surprises, not least the wholly unexpected presence of Des Cashell, the distinguished elder statesman.of those who have donned the presidential blazer. He may be much less mobile and robust than once was, yet it was a delight to see Des hold court, glass in hand and the twinkle still bright in the eye.”
I had no sooner finished my now redundant piece than a text from the Chief Executive Warren Deutrom arrived with the news that Des Cashell had passed away. I spent the next little while talking to fellow members of the older generation whose memories of Des were of deep respect and warmth.
It was former President, Stan Mitchell, who organised the surprise attendance at the Clontarf dinner and what a delight it was to see Des, just eight short of his century, greeting his legion of friends. Clontarf President Donal O’Sullivan bade Des a special welcome to a rousing reception.
Des’s contribution to Irish cricket, both as a player and an administrator, is chronicled elsewhere on this site and a distinguished one it is. My own experience of his contribution was as a fellow member of the old Irish Cricket Union Executive and he never failed to impress me.
His insights into the game and what should be done for its well-being in Ireland were always thoughtful and, invariably, on the right path. As I have said elsewhere, when Des Cashell spoke, people listened.
Lunch after each executive meeting was also a delight if you were lucky enough to bag a seat within earshot of Des: the chat and the wine flowed. Such memories came back at the Clontarf dinner, more so since the news of yesterday morning.
As I write details of Des’s funeral have yet to be announced and will appear on these pages. It will be a celebration of a fine life
Funeral Arrangement
Reposing at The Kirwan Funeral Home, Fairview Strand. Removal on Thursday morning to St. Ann’s Church, Dawson Street for 11.30am Service. Funeral afterwards to Glasnevin Crematorium, due at 1.30pm.
Robin Walsh
Des Cashell with fellow former President Derek Scott
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