It is always sad to learn of the passing of someone that you shared so many experiences with down the years, some in cricket battle, some in committee rooms, some watching cricket, some at club dinners and perhaps the most enjoyable, some in the bar. At the height of his social prowess these was no better company than Woodvale’s “Flying Pig” a nickname he took as a compliment of his fleeting movements around the field in his playing days and which he laughed off with all the gusto and aplomb that made him such a popular ambassador everywhere he went. You could never dislike Ian Gourley even when he was 100% in disagreement with you.
As a clubman he did it all in almost 60 years service to cricket. He was a successful senior batsman at Cliftonville before he moved the short distance across North Belfast to the Ballygomartin Road in 1971 and became a legend at Woodvale. He played at the highest and the lowest level at the club during his long career and many aspiring young Woodvale cricketers owe much to his encouragement, enthusiasm and wise counsel down the years. He became Woodvale through and through, and as an administrator he handled the demanding offices of Treasurer and Chairman with all the expertise and integrity associated with a highly respected Ulster Bank Manager. He was shrewd and cautious at times, perhaps hallmarks of his profession, but in cricket circles there was always a big infectious laugh to lighten up even the most serious discussions. He loved people and he enjoyed the camaraderie of cricket friends on and off the field. At the same time he was a devoted family man and talked warmly about the progress of his children at university and the cost to educate them! That was Ian to a tee.
At union level we shared many committee meetings and he was a very capable Chairman of the Northern Cricket Union (1994-5) and later President (2008-9). He was also Treasurer of the Irish Cricket Union and often talked about the transition between amateur cricket and professional cricket and the changing playing field, but there was nobody better equipped and able to make a significant contribution than Ian. He guided the ICU finances through some challenging times in the Nineties.
Sadly illness curtailed and eventually stopped his active roles within cricket administration, but he fought bravely against the odds and made a huge effort to attend games and social functions. It is a miracle in some ways that perhaps the greatest innings he played was with his health, as he had many lows in the past few years that would have beaten lesser mortals.
Ian’s passing will be felt with sadness far and wide, but particularly at Woodvale where he was such a fatherly figure and held in the highest esteem. We particularly extend our heartfelt sympathy to Jennifer, Stephen, Helen and Claire.
Farewell dear friend, thanks for many happy memories and Rest in Peace.
Clarence Hiles
Editor
