He was 86 and one of three sporting brothers. Tom had the richest talent, not that you would ever have known, as he was modest and never proliferated on his own performances, brilliant as they were. It just wasn't his way.
"Gentleman Tom" was the epitome of good sportsmanship and loved nothing better in his twilight years than to sit on the Wallace Park boundary and watch cricket and enjoy the friendly conversation of local and visiting supporters. He was revered in Lisburn circles and highly respected all over Ireland both as a player and as an administrator. He served the sport magnificently in both roles, rising to international status as a player and in later years as a Northern Cricket Union Chairman and President, and as an Ireland selector.
Tom was an integral part of Lisburn's greatest era and the solid opening batsman who gave his team the important foundation on which so many victories were achieved. In an era devoid of Man-of-the-Match Awards the skilful and elegant bat of Tom McCloy was denied the dozens of accolades that would surely have gone his way, but it mattered little to Tom, as he was a genuine and committed team player. Lisburn fielded a powerful team in the 1950s and 1960s and the genial Tom was one of their prize assets. They were almost unbeatable in league and cup cricket until eclipsed by an emerging Waringstown team in the mid-Sixties. Tom's batting performances were outstanding and formed the backbone of many successes, but strangely he failed to carry his prolific form into the Irish team despite two half centuries. His top score was 73 against the MCC in 1959, his best season when he topped the magical milestone of a 1,000 runs. Edward Liddle's excellent review of Tom's career on the CricketEurope website provides balance and appreciation of his performances at all levels and while the modern game may bear no semblance to Tom's era, he played with some of the best players Ireland has produced and against some of the best in the world.
Tom's close friend and colleague Cecil Walker has always claimed these were the best years in Ulster cricket and Tom certainly made a huge contribution. His epic battles with Downpatrick's Noel Ferguson, Bangor's Conn McCall and Muckamore's Archie McQuilkin were legendary, but off the field they were the closest of friends.
Tom had many admirers including the late Malcolm Brodie, the doyen of sports journalists and who for many years was Sports Editor of the Belfast Telegraph. Malcolm often recalled Tom's football prowess and his Irish League exploits for Linfield in the 1940s. But above, Brodie said he was a gentleman and someone who was deservedly acclaimed as a role model for aspiring young sports people.
When I was honoured with the NCU Chairmanship in 1990 I was delighted to share one year of Tom's Presidency and his wise counsel and experience were always available. He never interfered, but when his advice was sought he was fair and decisive, hallmarks of a fine administrator. The NCU made him an Honorary Life Member in 2007 for outstanding service.
Tom's sad passing will be felt throughout Irish cricket, but nowhere more poignant than around Wallace Park. Lisburn Cricket Club Chairman Dean Simpson captured the feelings of the members in a fitting tribute-
"It's been a bad few days for Lisburn with Ronnie Walker, Cecil's last surviving brother, passing away last Wednesday and now our Club Patron Tom McCloy today. Tom will be remembered as an exceptional cricketer and his exploits are well documented. However, we will also remember him as an exceptional gentleman and a genuine friend. He was a true great of our club, a stalwart and a Lisburn man through and through and his contribution to our club and cricket in general over the last 70 years is immeasurable. He will be very sadly missed by us all and I extend our condolences to his family at this sad time."
To the Lisburn Club we extend our deepest sympathy, but particularly to Maureen and the family circle.
Farewell Gentleman Tom-May you Rest in Peace.
JCH
