Irish cricket has lost two of its most respected and loyal servants in recent days with the deaths of Derek Scott and Joe Caprani.
Both were Past Presidents of the Irish Cricket Union – Derek in 2001 and Joe in 1983.
Current Cricket Ireland President Dr Murray Power paid tribute to both saying: “All who knew them will have been saddened by the recent passing of Joe Caprani and Derek Scott.
“After his long and distinguished playing career for Leinster, Malahide and Ireland, Joe went on to make a particularly significant contribution as a coach, his warm and lively personality inspiring both those in his charge and his fellow coaches.
“Derek was a hugely gifted administrator who effectively ran Irish representative cricket for the last quarter of the 20th century.
“A highly respected figure at Lord’s, his shrewdness and diplomacy were instrumental in building the relationships with other cricketing nations that paved the way to Ireland’s admission to the ICC in 1993 – a key foundation stone for the on-field successes that have followed.
“His assiduous collection of statistics and other historical material also ensured that the Irish cricket archives are the envy of other nations.
“Both were distinguished and popular Presidents of the Irish Cricket Union and we mourn their passing whilst giving thanks for all they gave us.
Derek was Honorary Secretary of the Irish Cricket Union for almost a quarter of a century, taking over from Jimmy Boucher in 1973/4, before being succeeded by John Wright in 1997. He along with John were the driving forces in Ireland gaining membership of the ICC.
Although by his own admission, ‘not the greatest player’, he led Railway Union – whom he joined in 1940 and was a member for over 70 years – to their first senior title in 1960 by virtue of his astute captaincy. He played a major part in encouraging and developing the careers of people like Ginger O’Brien, Joey O’Meara, and Dessie Byrne.
He had an encyclopaedic knowledge of Irish cricket, and had a phenonemal collection of cricket books and clippings, being primarily responsible for the archiving of all Leinster senior cricket from 1919, and Ireland senior cricket.
He contributed the article on Irish Cricket to Wisden from 1957 to 2009, making him Wisden’s longest serving contributor.
Joe Caprani was a legend in Leinster and Irish cricket, not just for his playing ability, but also as a wonderful coach.
He played with great distinction for Clontarf, Leinster and Malahide, becoming the first Leinster cricketer to reach the 10,000 runs landmark.
He represented Ireland on seven occasions, achieving his highest score of 44 against Scotland at College Park in 1955.
He played senior cricket from 1937 until 1972, before concentrating on coaching not only in the Dublin area, but also further afield in the North, where in particular he is fondly remembered for his work at Strabane.
As a mark of respect to both, Cricket Ireland will have a minute’s silence before their ICC World Twenty20 Qualfying game against The Netherlands on Saturday at Malahide.
Funeral arrangements for Derek Scott: Reposing at Colliers Funeral Home, Old Connaught Avenue, Bray. Removal on Wednesday morning (July 22) at 9.15am to the Church of Our Lady of Perpetual Succour, Foxrock arriving at 9.50am for Requiem Mass at 10am followed by burial at Dean’s Grange Cemetery.
Derek Scott and John Caldwell
No
Connaught
