NEW YEAR HONOURS FOR ROY
Local cricket congratulates Roy Harrison on his MBE Award in the New Year’s Honours List just announced. Roy’s Award is in recognition for his outstanding voluntary service to cricket and there can be no more worthy recipient.
Roy has given Waringstown and NCU cricket exceptional service. In the era of professionalism it would be impossible to put a value on his contribution as a player, administrator and supporter of the club he has served in virtually every capacity. One of six brothers, he was the mainstay of the team in the 1960s and 1970s when the Villagers were arguably the best club side in Ireland. He was a prolific batsman in local cricket and excelled in the NCU Challenge Cup. He was a record winner 14 times and a Senior League winner on 13 occasions. He was a staunch performer for Ulster Country in the Interprovincial Series, and won full Ireland recognition. Many people felt it came too late in his career.
In later years he was honoured with the NCU Presidency and Ireland Presidency. The Waringstown clubhouse is named the Roy Harrison Pavilion in his honour.
As a player Roy was combative and fiercely competitive, but in retirement he was a terrific ambassador for the game. He virtually lived at the Lawn, and on match days he was always a friendly and welcoming host.
They say behind every great man is a great woman and in Muriel, Roy had the perfect wife who shared his passion and love for cricket.
Congratulations Roy on yet another honour, richly deserved.
