..."It's hard to be modest when you're an Australian these days!" Since the Aussies had just whipped England to win the Ashes it was not difficult to agree with the normally quiet unassuming pigeon fancier who so often presented a dour broad bat to opening attacks in the Sixties.
In the same vein if Richard Johnson of Instonians came off with a similar line this week, then it would be hard to find fault with this affable and charismatic cricket official who has just been officially presented with an ICC Award as the European Volunteer of the Year. With Instonians currently top of Section One and their high-flying school teams in prolific form, there's hardly been a better time to sing the praises of the South Belfast club and one of its most hard-working and devoted members.
But that's as far as the Bill Lawry comparison goes, as Richard Johnson is one of Irish cricket's most modest administrators and never one to seek publicity or self gratification. Although dubbed one of the "Shaw's Bridge mafia" Richard is without doubt one of the best known and best liked "Suits" in local cricket and this honour will be widely acclaimed by cricket lovers from every quarter.
Officially the award recognizes the tremendous work Richard put into the organization of the ICC Trophy Competition in Ireland in 2005 but those who know the NCU and Ireland committee man well, will vouch that this is just one of a long line of personal achievements at every level. Richard is an Instonian through and through and will be the first to admit his playing prowess was modest and certainly overshadowed by his talented son Richard who is a mainstay in the current senior team. But playing down the teams in NCU cricket over the years gave Richard senior a great appreciation of the hard work and commitment it takes to run the game and in due course Richard joined the administration and rose through the ranks to the lofty heights of NCU Chairman. He excelled in the role, a position not without its challenges, and in due course he became just as committed at national level within the Irish Cricket Union.
We live in an era when cricket officials are the bane of criticism season after season, mostly from critics who have no appreciation of either the facts or the commitment of amateur cricketers doing their bit for the game their love. It is therefore all the more fitting that the ICC should recognize and honour Richard as he's certainly one true sport and one official that stands beyond reproach for service excellence.
Well done Richard the Lionheart!
