...by those family and friends who were closest to this extraordinary character.
Dermott was a mixture of many personalities, some not too complimentary, but in much the same way that he strode through his life, it didn’t seem to bother him. At best he was a charming and eloquent conversationalist on virtually any topic, at worst, he could be abrasive, dismissive and opinionated. But as a cricketer he was supreme, arguably the greatest bowler in the history of Irish cricket, and with the impressive statistics to justify it.
He was a genuine all rounder, but often batted lower in the order to accommodate other players. This was particularly evident when playing for Ireland, although his nine half centuries would please most mortals. In contrast Monteith was a giant with the ball in his hand, and within his record 326 wickets he took five wickets in an innings an amazing 27 times, and ten in a match on seven occasions. He captained Ireland 37 times in a 19-year span from 1965 to 1984 and will always be remembered for his maverick, and at times, cavalier approach. His fellow players admired him, mainly because he always backed his own judgment, and more often than not he produced the goods. He loved a challenge, and in an era when Ireland players were expected to ‘tow the line’ he was often seen as a rebel. In reality, it was just Dermott being Dermott.
He was very knowledgeable and a walking encyclopaedia on sport. He had a good business brain but like much of his talent it never reached its full potential. He was a fine golfer and good rugby player, but as a cricketer he was exceptional. He toured with the MCC twice to Bangladesh and Africa, and at the ripe old age of 38 he finally played county cricket for Middlesex in 1981 and 1983, as cover for test players John Emburey and Phil Edmonds. He was inspired by the challenge, and earned widespread praise from many cricket experts including county captain Mike Brearley when they won the county championship. But looking back over the years, Dermott was always a star on the cricket field, even although some of his actions off it were less complimentary. He didn’t allow too many people into his confidence, but those that he valued as friends, found a genuine loveable guy who was great company. It was sad that his sporting career was prematurely terminated in 1984 following a callous hit-and-run accident in Bangor. Left to die on an icy roadside it was a miracle that he survived, albeit the injuries were so severe that he never regained full mobility. Like many things surrounding Dermott, the circumstances of what happened that evening have remained a mystery, and may never be known now.
In the nineties Dermott became an Ireland selector and later ICU President, roles that he loved and performed in his own inimitable style with some distinction. He also wrote his autobiography “A Stone in the Glasshouse” which was entertaining and illuminating, but which would have benefitted from the critical eye of a professional editor before going to print. However, Dermott thought otherwise, and shunned the advice of good friends and typically backed his own judgement.
Over the past few years his health declined following a stroke. He tired of visitors, but lifelong friends Cecil Walker and Michael Bowden were always welcome, and they kept the wider cricket fraternity abreast of his circumstances. Earlier this year his faithful wife Pamela passed away, but Dermott was unable to attend the funeral. His health continued to decline, and sadly he lost the fight at the age of sixty-six.
On a personal note I shared many experiences with Dermott over the years and will always regard him as a good friend, and one of the most engaging people I ever met. He wasn’t an easy person to like, but the other side of his character was highly entertaining and friendly. He was a mixture of personalities, and while he loved to be the centre of attraction most of the time, there were also times when he shunned the limelight and sought a quieter refuge. He was his own man in every sense, and when we look back on his cricketing career, we should set aside everything else, and admire the huge contribution he made to Irish cricket as an outstanding player, selector and administrator. He was a legend in Irish cricket, a one-off.
Rest in Peace dear friend, and thanks for the memories.
Clarence Hiles
Editor
