Irish cricket legend Gerry Dufffy passed away yesterday at the age of 84.
The Leinster man enjoyed a remarkable senior career which spanned five decades for the Rathmines club.
In domestic cricket he scored 10 264 runs at 35.24, which included nine hundreds, with a highest score of 200 not out against Phoenix in 1955.
In addition he took 944 wickets at 13.88, while his haul of 238 catches put him second in the all-time Leinster list.
At international level, Duffy played 55 times between his debut in 1953 against Scotland and his final appearance versus The Netherlands in 1974.
The Dubliner scored 1123 runs at 18.11, with a highest score of 92 against the MCC in 1970.
He took 82 wickets at just 19.23, including a best bowling performance of 6 for 29 against the 1961 touring Australians – his wickets included Richie Benaud.
Duffy also played in one of the most famous matches in world cricket – when Ireland dismissed the mighty West Indies for just 25 at Sion Mills in 1969.
Cricket Ireland President Dr Murray Power paid tribute saying :”I was greatly saddened to hear of the passing of my old friend Gerry Duffy.
“He was one of the outstanding all-rounders of his era, he retained a youthful enthusiasm for the game throughout his long life. Visits to Rathmines will not be the same without him.”
Following the end of his playing career, Duffy was a distinguished coach at first Leinster, and then Merrion where he played a major role in the development of the Joyce family, five of whom played international cricket for Ireland.
Ed Joyce praised the influence Duffy had on his career saying: “It was awful to hear about the passing of Gerry Duffy, who was a true Leinster, Merrion and Irish cricket legend.
“He was one of my heroes and an inspiration to many generations of Irish cricketers.”
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