Rain played havoc with most of the celebratory matches, but two events in the next week will put the cap on a memorable milestone.
On Saturday evening the NCU will stage a Gala Dinner at the City Hall in Belfast and in this magnificent setting, Guest Speaker Michael Vaughan and comedian Gene Fitzpatrick will entertain a capacity gathering of 400 people. The packed house tells us that our members are proud of their Union and collectively wish to celebrate 125 years of success. We should all be very proud of our history, as the NCU has played a huge part in the development of local sport and our best players over the years have gone on to distinguish themselves at the highest level. Opportunities in the early years were limited, but with a number of our best players now playing professionally in the county game, our forefathers would be proud of how each generation has carried the mantle to reach such a healthy position. That hasn’t happened by accident and, while the major credit should go to the officers of the Union, who have given so much over the years, every player and every supporter has played a part. We are all in this together!
As part of the celebration, next Wednesday yours truly will launch “The History of the Northern Cricket Union Challenge Cup 1887-2011”. The book is a written tribute to the NCU through a very special competition that has produced some amazing performances down through the years. It is heavy in detail, and rich in content, so anyone who has played in the competition or has an interest in it will not be disappointed. The book includes old photographs that have been hidden in newspapers and attics for over 100 years, and caricatures of some of the leading personalities of the day. Ten grounds have been highlighted in colourful sketches and every cup match over 125 years is recorded. Over 99% have summarised match details and all cup final scorecards are reproduced.
This book has a limited issue and as such it will become a collector’s item so please place your order now through your club or the union or via myself (clarence@caribbeanmortgages.com) as it will not be on sale through newsagents or bookstores. The book will be launched next Wednesday morning at the offices of Horwood and Holmes Corporate Finance (http://www.hhcf.co.uk) thanks to the generosity of well-known local cricketer Wayne Horwood and two close business associates Legacy Wealth and Northern Bank who have been generous Patrons of the book. Lewis McCallan of Northern Bank has commented “Northern Bank are delighted to be associated with the Senior Cup once again having been the first sponsor nearly 40 years ago”. Legacy Wealth Director Keith Liggett added “The NCU Challenge Cup has been an institution in local cricket and we are delighted to mark 125 years by supporting the hard work of Clarence Hiles and his research team in this special book”.
The book will also be available in the evening at the NCU AGM after the meeting, so as not to detract from the heavy business schedule planned.
These events will bring the curtain down on our 125th anniversary celebrations, but the show goes on. After all, we are still “not out” and at the crease!
Enjoy!
Clarence Hiles
Editor
