A long time ago I asked the great Irish batsman Donald Shearer who were the greatest players in Irish cricket. He replied that it is what old players fantasize about when it rains!
He quickly disregarded the request. It was unfortunate, given EDR was well-placed to comment with his knowledge of both North-West and NCU cricket.
The changes in Irish cricket over 180 years were considerable which makes comparisons impossible. Not just in cricket terms, but fitness, health, work commitments, and wealth. In the old days many of the pitches were poor, badly prepared, with limited facilities and machinery. There is no comparison to the modern player.
I am a history buff and have researched for over 50 years on Irish cricket archives, but I owe a lot to others who share the same interest, particularly in the early years. People like Billy Platt who produced many books of Norh-West clubs, John Larence Handbooks in the 1870s, Edward Liddle’s biographies, WP ‘Pat’ Hone, Derek Scott Secretary of Irish Cricket Union, Wilfred Hanna, AS Pollock and Fred Allen of North of Ireland, and Ian Shields of North Down. I extensively researched websites and British Newspapers Archives. However, I have a problem with Irish Cricket Union records, like several other cricket historians who differ on the formation of the Union- some say 1890 or 1902 or 1922 or 1933. Dublin teams prior to 1922 often claimed it was All-Ireland XI or Gentlemen of Ireland, but most were from their own clubs.
For this project let’s set this aside and accept Ireland cricket records from 1855 and leave it for another chapter.
I have not included overseas players or military serving in the Second World War. It therefore excludes England Test captains Norman Yardley and Hedley Verity, who was arguably the best slow bowler ever in Ireland.
Selecting All-Time Great is purely my opinion and I have separated four eras – Pre World War 1-1855 to 1918, Between the Wars-1919 to 1945, post-war-1946 to 1999 and Millenium 2000 to 2026. These articles will be in four periods starting in the early years.
Pre-World War 1-1855 to 1918
The NCU dominated Ulster in that era. North-West Union (Derry Union) was formed in 1888, but teams were weak and rarely scored over 100. The NCU was dominated by North Down and North of Ireland, who had the biggest membership, and it was not uncommon for players to join two clubs. Sometimes from the North-West.
Bowling changed significantly during that period moving from Underarm, to roundarm and it was not until 1900 that most bowlers were upright. Despite the obvious restrictions, some of the bowlers were exceptional in the 1870s and should be included in that era. It was also an era where clubs and Unions were formed, but after 1900 the picture was transformed.
POST WORLD WAR 1-1855-1918
CHARLES STELFOX (North of Ireland)-a dashing aggressive batsman and renowned for his ‘shooters’ underarm bowling. Capped by Ireland. The star of Ulster cricket in the 1970s and best score was 151 against Phoenix in 1874, the highest at that time.
WILLIE VINT (North of Ireland)-succeeded Stelfox as the premier batsman and was capped by Ireland. He scored over 1,000 runs in 1875, the first time ever in Ulster. He was a key figure with John Andrews (Jun.) in 1890 trying to set up the Irish Cricket Union but couldn’t convince the NCU clubs otherwise.
TOM HANNA (Ulster)-Arguably the best underarm bowler in Ireland and was capped in 1877 when he took a hat-trick. His best bowling was 124 wickets of which 118 were clean bowled! Fast bowler with deadly twist that batsmen could not detect.
WILLIE TURNER (North Down)-the star bowler of North Down’s team and although he was not capped by Ireland, he was the best overarm ‘trundler’ in Ireland according to Edward Liddle.
SAM TURNER (North Down)-brother of Willie, Sam formed a formidable attack with his unique underarm ‘lob’ or ‘grub’ action combined with Tommy Graham. He jumped up and often bowled short with a high deliver twist that bemused most batsmen. He won seven Senior Cup wins.
TOMMY GRAHAM (North Down)-was the epitome of sportsmanship and gave stalwart service to the club, Ulster cricket and Irish hockey. He shared in many wins in the Golden era of North Down with seven Senior Cup victories.
DAH MILLING (North Down)-made his debut as a 14-year-old wicket keeper in the strong Comber team and was the mainstay until the First War winning a bevy of Senior Cup and League awards. Was the first Ulster player to captain Ireland and his best batting was 132 against Sydenham in the Senior Cup.
WILLIAM POLLOCK North of Ireland/Holywood)-Outstanding batsman and administrator. Capped by Ireland in 1909 but robbed of further honours during the war years and was unavailable for several years due to business. Formed a strong bond with Oscar Andrews. He declined the Irish captaincy, probably because if business commitments.
OSCAR ANDREWS (North Down/Noth of Ireland)-the best all-rounder in Irish cricket at the time and a dual international for cricket and hockey. He rarely missed with bat and ball for over 20 years with North Down and North of Ireland. He won the Senior Cup ten times and regularly scored 1,000 runs and took 100 wickets.
J McCHRYSTAL (Clooney)-was the best batsman in North-West with three centuries during the time when the club won six consecutive cup wins from 1906 to 1911. Unfortunately, it took another 25 years before the hierarchy of Belfast and Dublin selectors to recognize North-West talent.
SIR HARRY MULHOLLAND (North of Ireland)-It is unknown how much he played for North of Ireland, but he was a member and must be included. He played once for Ireland in 1911 and scored 149! He was also Captain at Cambridge University and played in various ‘wandering’ clubs and served in World War 1. Eventually he entered politics in Northen Ireland. He was a powerful hitter and scored heavily when set.
JCH
