The prospect of accommodating a four-course dinner, six speeches, an auction, a raffle and the Presentation of Awards within a midnight deadline was daunting and, the only apparent mishap was the bar running out of beer in the last hour!
It was a nostalgic night with over 400 guests packing the City Hall and the magnificent setting added to the occasion. Most clubs were represented and many fine players and personalities who have graced the local game joined with their fellow cricketers to celebrate this historic milestone. Cricket Ireland was strongly represented through President, our own Richard Johnson, Warren Deutrom, Phil Simmons, Roy Torrens and Mark Garroway, while Stephen Cruise represented the sponsors Ulster Bank. The inimitable Robin Walsh was a masterful MC and the Colin Barkley-Peter Woods duo produced additional revenue from an excellent auction of sporting memorabilia.
The entertainment was provided by a Mark Austin interview with former England captain Michael Vaughan, and the delightful comedian Gene Fitzpatrick. Vaughan has been a good friend to Irish cricket over the years and his candid answers to some probing questions were thoroughly enjoyed by everyone, although his revelation that Boyd Rankin may soon be playing in an England shirt was a chilling thought.
All the prize winners were on call to receive their league trophies, although the organizers may have missed a trick by not acknowledging Waringstown’s Irish Senior Cup success with sponsor Hope Kerr present. Their fine achievement was worthy of a break from protocol.
The umpires did break from protocol and awarded their Fair Play trophy to a club rather than an individual, hopefully not because they were unable to find a suitable candidate. Nevertheless, Ballymena were worthy winners.
The Northern Cricket Union was founded in 1886 although discussions had been ongoing since 1884, and the first Challenge Cup competition took place in 1887 followed by the Senior League in 1896. Many outstanding cricketers and administrators have made their contribution to the Union’s success over 125 years and ten times as many lesser lights have played their part.
Everyone past and present should be proud of the way the current NCU Board marked the occasion.
Clarence Hiles
Editor
