John was a lifelong member of the Malahide Cricket Club, and was synonymous with the famous hospitality shown at the village club. He was also actively involved with St. Sylvester's GAA club, where he was an influential member.
In the broader environment, he had been a pivotal figure in Ireland's recent successes, being involved in the administration of Leinster and Irish cricket for over 30 years, and was also President of the Union in 1997. He served as Secretary of the Irish Cricket Union from 1997 before stepping down following the Annual General Meeting earlier this year. John also made significant contributions to the game at large with long-serving work on European cricket and ICC Committees including the ICC Development Committee, and a stint on the prestigious ICC's Chief Executives Committee as one of just three representing the interests of 90 countries beneath Test level.
John Wright was a recipient of an ICC Global Lifetime Service Award for his long and dedicated service to worldwide cricket development, collecting his award at a ceremony at Lord’s only last month. At the time former ICC Chief Executive Malcolm Speed praised the work of John Wright, stating “There is no doubt that your efforts over a long period of time have formed a significant part of the successes that Ireland has enjoyed in recent years.”
Former ICU President Tom Prior paid tribute saying , "John was a wonderful servant and ambassador for Irish cricket throughout the world. His dedication and professionalism were major factors in the tremendous success that Irish cricket has experienced at all levels of the game. It was a great honour and joy to be with him during Ireland’s magnificent World Cup campaign in the West Indies. My thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time"
Cricket Ireland Chairman David Williams said, “It was a very great privilege to have John not only as a colleague in cricket, but also as a valued friend. John’s cheery disposition, and wonderful sense of humour was always an inspiration to his friends, and no problem ever arose that John’s sharp mind was unequal to. His loss to me as a friend, and the cricket world at all levels is immense.”
Current Cricket Ireland President John Caldwell added his personal tribute, saying, “The cricket world in Ireland and further afield will be in mourning with the passing of John Wright. It is difficult to see how the Irish game could have attracted its present status without John's commitment and foresight. He worked for the game he loved in so many capacities, with tireless dedication, and was justifiably proud of the national team's achievements. His contribution is inestimable; he will be sorely missed as an outstanding administrator, and I personally will miss a loyal friend.”
John is survived by his brother GV Wright, and by his sisters Mary, Joan, and Pauline. Funeral arrangements will be announced later.
May he Rest In Peace.
