...and during Cricket World Cup 2007 he was one of the most televised personalities as the Ireland team performed unforgettable heroics. A lot has happened in big Roy ’s life in recent times, so Ulster Cricketer editor Clarence Hiles finally caught up with him and put him into the Hot-Seat!
1 You've had a whirlwind journey as Ireland team manager. What have been the highlights?
Obviously the main highlight was the team’s performance in the World Cup. Beating Pakistan on St Patrick's Day must rank as Ireland’s greatest achievement and our performances against Zimbabwe, England and New Zealand, and the subsequent defeat of Bangladesh, proved to the cricketing world that we were worth our place in the tournament.
2 Your sporting CV is up there with the best in Ulster sport. Are there any ambitions still to fulfill?
Having been to the World Cup and enjoyed the whole experience I would love to qualify for the next one and perform creditably. This might encourage the ICC to invest some money in our game and give us an opportunity to eventually become the next test nation.
3 With three high profile retirements and some players going their separate ways, can the new Cricket Ireland squad reach the same dizzy heights as their predecessors?
Since our appearance in the World Cup six players are no longer available for ODI cricket. Obviously this is a massive blow, but we have an excellent development programme in place and we are confident that our young players, given the same opportunity to prepare and develop, will serve Ireland well in the future.
4 Like all the players, you have personally given so much to the Ireland cause. Is it realistic to expect such commitment from amateur players and officials going forward?
If Ireland is to continue to progress, we must encourage our young talent to go to those counties that would be sympathetic to our availability requests. And for those who are playing in Ireland they must also be contracted to avoid any club versus country problems, and to alleviate any financial problems that playing for Ireland may cause. We should also look at ways were we can build relationships with employers to ensure player’s availability. For example; offering them hospitality at games, free adverts, tickets etc
5 Is there as much fun in the Irish dressing-room as there was in the days of Torrens, Monteith, Colhoun, Linehan and Anderson?
When I played, most of the games were friendlies and the expectation level was considerably lower than with today’s team. We are now victims of our own success and there is a lot more pressure on the team to perform. We no longer play friendlies, and the majority of our matches have a bearing on our standing in terms of World Cricket. To enable us to avail of the ICC grants we must continue to perform well at the highest level and this puts even more pressure on the players. Having said that, our team has quite a few characters and the spirit that developed during the World Cup was fantastic.
6 You have met many celebrities throughout your sporting career. Pick three that have a special place in the life of Roy Torrens.
That’s difficult but here goes;
Mike Brearly
Ireland played Middlesex quite often during my career and I played against him a few times. I'm not sure he was worth his place purely as an opening batsman, but as a captain he had few peers. A physiologist by profession, his management skills were exceptional, particularly in dealing with a young Ian Botham. His knowledge of county cricketers was unerring, as was proven during a team talk he once gave to the Irish team before a NatWest game against Gloucestershire.
Sir Everton Weekes
Greatness and humility are not often apparent in the sporting greats, but in the case of Sir Everton Weekes they are evident in abundance. I had the privilege of first meeting him eight years ago and have been fortunate to have met him several times since. It’s an education to listen to him talk about cricket and his love of all sport is apparent. His willingness to pass on some of his knowledge and advice in a non-patronizing manner makes him a very special person.
Alex Parker
Not too many young sportsmen would recognise my third choice. Alex played full-back for Scotland in the days when Tom Finney and Stanley Matthews played on the wings for England. He was a record £30.000 transfer from Falkirk to Everton in the mid-50s and in the twilight of his career became player/manager at Ballymena United in the late 60s. I was a young defender there, and he took me under his wing offering me advice and encouragement when necessary. He was a huge influence during my soccer career and I'm pleased to say we still keep in touch.
7 Is it true what Ivan Anderson says that you turned up for your first International with your boots in a brown paper bag?
Not really, but it makes for a good story! The truth is when I was picked to play for Ireland my club Brigade presented me with a new cricket bag and a bat, the only bat I ever owned as it never got too much abuse!
8 You have become a bit detached from North-West club cricket these days but why do you feel it is struggling to match the achievements of former eras?
I think North-West cricket benefited from the fact that in the 50s and 60s the area was not as prosperous as say, Belfast or Dublin. The attractions of the big city were not available so many young people turned to sport for their recreation. Cricket was a sport that benefitted, and many players spent hours practising and developing their talents. Add the natural competiveness of the locals and the North-West was a special place to play. Nowadays, with so many other attractions available, most cricketers don’t work as hard at their game and what was once a big characteristic of North-West cricket has sadly disappeared.
9 Do you still get a great buzz when the Ireland team gathers for a match, or with so many games has it all become routine?
I must admit, I still get a great thrill out of meeting up with the team and being heavily involved in all the matches. It’s certainly not as good as playing, but it’s the next best thing and it keeps me young, at least in mind if not in body!
10 Finally, if you could change one thing in Irish cricket at the flick of a switch what would it be?
The wickets. Irish weather, being what it is, our wickets are always going to be damp. To enable Irish cricket to continue to progress, clubs must invest to improve their wickets. This would initially help raise the standard of club cricket, but ultimately all cricket.
