…Now that in itself is an achievement, as to keep any secret at the Lawn from Wee Roy has to be something special as he lives and breathes the place, day in, day out!
Roy is not the first cricket club stalwart to reach this special milestone in life, but I doubt if any of his peers has given as much service to the game as “Snowy.” Nor has there been a more formidable opponent on and off the field, as he remains as passionate and focused to the cause as he was when opening the batting for the club he has served so well as both player and administrator. He’s also found the time to be president of both the Northern Cricket Union and the Irish Cricket Union, and don virtually any role the club asked of him. Roy has never hidden his modesty under a bushel, but if his only crime was fighting the Waringstown cause with unbridled passion, then he’s been an outstanding individual.
One of six very talented cricketing brothers, Roy was the one with a grit and determination that set him apart. What he lacked in ability, if he lacked anything, was more than compensated by a ruthless determination, concentration, and will to win. He played the game hard and he asked for no quarter from his opponents. However, not so with his teammates, as Roy expected them to show the same commitment and as a result they did, because he commanded respect. He didn’t suffer fools, and over the years as opponents, we felt the brunt of both his bat and his tongue on many occasions! We also saw the social side of him when the game was over and we had time to sit in the Planters or at the Green and enjoy a pint and a bit of craic. He was always a formidable opponent, but off the field he was an engaging conversationalist on anything cricket.
Like most former players, Roy has mellowed over the years, even if he has retained that powerful will-to-win. He’s a welcoming face at the Lawn, and he lives and loves his cricket. Happy belated birthday “Snowy” and well done Muriel and Co for springing the surprise.
Nobody deserves it more!
Here’s a little tribute in rhyme from an old adversary.
“SNOWY”HARRISON
Snowy by name and Snowy by nature,
No player hurt us more,
When Waringstown punched their weight,
Wee Roywas to the fore.
Their team was packed with talent,
They were always an awesome sight,
And if they needed to win at all costs,
Wee Roywas up for the fight.
No team had a player more focused,
He was Waringstown to the core,
And he saw it as his duty,
To deliver his team a big score.
And deliver he did at all levels,
He was a batsman above all the rest,
His talent was grit and defiance,
And that’s what made him the best.
He was one of six cricketing brothers,
They were a dynasty in the game,
Everyone connected to cricket,
Knew of theHarrison name.
But Wee Roy had something special,
The eldest and strongest of will,
He never showed pity or weakness,
He was always there for the kill.
Waringstown owe much to Wee Snowy,
And we know there’s no big mystery,
He is the man who contributed the most,
To a remarkable cricket club history.
He’s also served the unions,
So he remains both solid and sound,
And whenever you visit the Lawn,
He’s the first that you’ll see at the ground.
He’s worn his colours with honour,
He’s hurt us more than most,
But these days he’s a much nicer person,
And always the perfect host.
Clarence Hiles
Editor
