A tribute to Tom, one of Lisburn Cricket Club’s most gifted players passes away

Tom McCloy, pictured in the front row, third from left, was the Captain of Lisburn Cricket Club when they won the Northern Cricket Union of Ireland Senior Challenge Cup in 1955. Back row (l to r) - C. Walker, J. Kelly, W.R. Hunter, L. Woods, K. Davenport, H. Clarke and W. McCloy. Front row (l to r) - H. Martin, J. Bowden, T. McCloy (Capt), J. Simpson (Vice Capt), S. Robinson and J. Corken Jnr.

A life-long member of the club, Tom joined as a boy in the 1930s and made his first appearance for the Ist XI in 1943 and remarkably played during four decades until his retirement in 1977.

An opening batsman for most of his career, Tom scored many thousands of runs for Lisburn and played a big part in the success of the team during the 1950s and 1960s.

He played in no less than 13 Senior Cup finals winning six of them and this along with six Senior League titles showed the strength of Lisburn during that period.

He captained the team in the 1955/56 season defeating Waringstown in the Senior Cup final at Ormeau.

His talent was quickly recognised by the Ireland selectors and Tom went on to play 30 times for his country scoring over 800 runs with a top score of 73 against M.C.C. at Lords.

With his retirement, Tom turned his attention to administration of the game in Ulster becoming a very active part of the Northern Cricket Union.

Chairman

His work there led to a period as chairman in 1980/1981 and he later was rewarded with the Presidency of the N.C.U. for 1989/1990.

All the time he was a prominent member of committees in Lisburn C.C. which led to him becoming President and was acting Patron of the club at the time of his death.

Tom was also a very talented soccer player with spells of Irish league football with Linfield, Distillery and Ards but cricket was always his first love and even when his health was waning he could be seen in his favourite corner of the Wallace Park supporting his beloved Lisburn.

Quiet

A quiet, unassuming man with a very dry sense of humour, Tom, however, was always firm in his thoughts about the game of cricket and the Lisburn club in particular and his advice and general presence around the club will be greatly missed by the members.

Lisburn Cricket Club would like to convey their sincere condolences to Tom’s wife Maureen, his son Colin, daughters Heather and Debbie and the many members of his wider family.

Friend, admirer and team mate, Michael Bowden, 14th January 2014