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The cricket fraternity knows how to rally round when an innings is declared closed and so it was at the funeral of that grand man of Lisburn, Tom McCloy.

The church was packed for the celebration of the life of the former Ireland international who, after his playing days, became chairman, president and finally an honorary life member of the Northern Cricket Union. The order of service left no doubt about Tom’s main interest outside his family. It was adorned by a picture captured in his batting prime, taking an ever-so-correct stance during net practice. As the minister put it wittily “I understand Tom was interested in cricket.”

The website pays tribute to Tom elsewhere, tracing an international career of 30 caps and a Lisburn career spanning 34 years, six league titles and 13 NCU cup finals, six of which on the winning side.

It was all detailed at the thanksgiving service but more so was the personal life of an 86 year-old devoted husband, father and grandfather; a man of his church whose words and deeds were always kindly.

The Lisburn club was there in force, led by Tom’s good friend and former President of the Irish Cricket Union, Cecil Walker. Former Cricket Ireland Presidents Richard Johnson and Roy Harrison; the current President of the NCU, Billy Boyd, and predecessor Murray Power were among the many cricketing luminaries who ensured tributes came from well beyond the boundary of Wallace Park.

On a personal note, I have the honour of being an honorary vice president of the Lisburn Club and my many strolls in “The Park” on match day were enriched by my engaging chats with Tom McCloy, always to be found in the same seat on the boundary edge. Alas, no more and future visits will be the poorer as a result.

++++ I am penning my latest musings hard on the heels of
that wonderful victory by Isobel Joyce’s team over
Pakistan in Qatar. It brightened up a wet Sunday in County
Down as I winged off congratulations to the team via their new coach, Trent Johnson. Back came the reply praising the effort the squad had put in – and real pleasure that he’s
involved. One of my most memorable experiences of my term
in office will be the team’s qualification for the T20
World Cup in Bangladesh. The victory over The Netherlands
in Dublin brought tears to many an eye – not least mine. As I said in my message on Sunday, what a terrific fillip for Bangladesh.

+++++ Off to the Belfast Telegraph Sports awards just now,
hoping for a decent mention of cricket after the men’s record-breaking 2013. I will be surprised if nothing’s said given that one of the two presenters is my dear friend
and former team mate Jackie Fullerton. We played together
at Ballymena and the BBC and I have to say he wasn’t a bad
all rounder, particularly with his left-arm spin. He still
talks about the day long ago when in a pre-season game at Malahide he bowled Joe Caprani for a duck. I do point out that Joe must have been nearly 70 at the time.

++++++ Counting the days down to Ireland’s tour to
Trinidad and Jamaica. I hope my next diaries will talk of
warmer climes and further success – would be rather nice for Phil Simmons’ return to his native heath.

Robin Walsh
No
Connaught