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DUBLIN – The 3rd Men’s T20 international against England was not just the end of a series, but also the end of an international career – long-term umpire Mark Hawthorne has decided to call it a day on his 23-year international umpiring journey.

Mark, 63, has been involved in international cricket since 2002 – featuring in over 300 international matches at all levels. He stood in his first official senior international in 2011 – an ODI between Ireland Men and Pakistan Men and went on to appointments at numerous ICC events.

He has been involved in both Men’s home Test matches, acting as TV Umpire for the matches against Pakistan in 2018 and Zimbabwe in 2024. Mark was also the first Irish umpire to avail of an umpire international exchange programme in 2019, when he travelled to the Caribbean to officiate.

Umpiring has indeed taken Mark all over the world, but the special feeling to call time at a big match here in Ireland was not lost on the Belfast-native:

As I approached the players and coaches for the customary handshakes at the end of the match, I did think to myself how fortunate I was to have umpired international cricket for 23 years. To end my ICC international career by umpiring Ireland v England was very special, and I am grateful to all those who made that possible.

I am convinced it was the right time for me to retire, and I was actually very relaxed and comfortable about walking off the field for the final time as an ICC International umpire.

Mark reflected on how his umpiring journey began:

At the level of cricket I played, we didn’t get official umpires, so we almost always had to umpire our own matches. If I wasn’t batting, I would usually have been umpiring.

Then in 1995, the Northern Cricket Union sent out a letter to all the clubs asking for anyone interested in umpiring to attend a course. Our club committee thought it would be a good idea to have someone represent the club and I was asked to attend. The tutors taking the course were friendly, knowledgeable, and very supportive – I owe each of them so much for getting my umpiring career underway.

By the time I was coming to an end to playing the game, umpiring seemed a natural transition to allow me to remain involved in a sport I enjoy – and I soon realised I could umpire at a higher level than I ever played.

Umpiring took Mark around the world, and he recalled some of his memorable highlights:

I have to say that 3 September 2013 was a special day – I was umpiring Ireland v England in an ODI in front of 10,000 people at Malahide. Ireland scored 269-7 and England were in trouble at 48-4 when Eoin Morgan and Ravi Bopara took over. Both scored centuries and England won by 6 wickets. The day itself was positive and well organised – Ireland showed it could host an ODI in front of a large crowd.

But, thinking more globally, two highlights stand out. At the 2018 Under-19 Men’s World Cup in New Zealand, I umpired the Plate Final between West Indies and Sri Lanka. The match went to the final over with Sri Lanka winning by three wickets with two balls to spare – a fantastic end to a memorable tournament.

However, perhaps slightly more memorable was when I was umpiring India v Sri Lanka in Mumbai in a floodlit match in the 2013 Women’s World Cup. The entire experience in India was incredible – the passion and enthusiasm for cricket must be seen to be believed.

So, what’s next for Mark Hawthorne?

I will continue my involvement with umpiring through tutoring, and in my role as Umpire Observations Manager for Cricket Ireland. I will no longer be an ICC International umpire but I will continue to umpire at different levels – and perhaps umpire fewer games than in recent years.

There are always opportunities and other roles that come along. I’m relaxed about these possibilities. If something happens that would be great – but if doesn’t I still have plenty to keep me involved!

And what would Mark’s advice be to people considering umpiring:

You won’t know if you will enjoy umpiring until you try it. Some people try umpiring and realise it is not for them – others try it and regret not starting years earlier because they enjoy it so much!

There are great courses for new umpires – led by ICC-qualified tutors – that aim to encourage and support new umpires. I have never forgotten those tutors who inspired me when I attended the course for new umpires all those years ago.

Umpires who want to progress are given every opportunity, but there is no pressure on anyone – you can umpire at a level you feel comfortable. There are clear pathways for umpires who want to progress, but that decision is always up to you.

Umpiring is challenging – but it is also fun. You will meet colleagues with a passion and enthusiasm for cricket and as an umpire you get the best seat in the house. There is no written exam at the end – we just want people to give umpiring a go. So, give it a try – what have you got to lose?

Brian MacNeice, Chair of Cricket Ireland, spoke at a small presentation to Mark after Sunday’s match:

Usually there would be a bigger spectacle for a figure in Irish cricket that has achieved as much as Mark, but typical of the man, he didn’t want a fuss made. Despite this, I am pleased to be able to recognise this occasion – the final international match that Mark Hawthorne will be involved in. And what a way to go out — a sold out crowd in Malahide against one of the biggest teams in the world.

Mark has been involved in international cricket since 2002, but his involvement hasn’t just been standing in matches. Mark has for many years, contributed to the coaching and mentoring of umpires countrywide, giving generously of his time and talent. We are confident you will continue to play a vital role in this area and we recognise that your patience, positivity and many quiet words have helped develop many professional and enthusiastic umpires over the years.

To use Mark’s own words, everyone standing here makes a significant number of sacrifices, missed birthdays and other family events to be involved in this sport – never a truer word was said.

On behalf of the Irish cricket community, I would like to congratulate you on all your achievements and thank you for your dedication and sacrifices.

Contact your local cricket association who will give you details of the local umpire association in your area – and sign up for the course!