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Re: Freddy Gilroy

Sad to see the demise of the once strong club. I remember the strong teams of the 80s and early 90s and it wasn't just a one man team with players like Tommy Hamilton, Ward McConkey, Trevor Sailes, Ronny Elliot amongst others.

Simon - Rashid Israr and Herbie Chang must have been two of the best pros you would have played against?

Four good teams and a certain Rashid Israr if I've spelt the name correctly. Depending on your view on pros, he ruined many a good game. Mind you, we eventually tried to - had to? - follow suit at Holywood. A conundrum perhaps. Plenty of other very good Dee players in those days, but Israr was generally good for 100.

Guys, just came across this great forum regarding cricket in Ulster. It saddens me as a lifetime member of Donaghadee CC to see clubs like ours struggle week in week out to muster 2 teams. I remember the days in the early 80s when we had 4 strong teams. Is it just our club or do other clubs have the same problems apart from it seems the premier league clubs

totally agree Jonny. At the recent NIACUS AGM Mr. Hunter was commending the work done by Michael on the Muckamore pitches so the theft of the major items of equipment is particularly sickening. Don't let the b***ards get ypu down lads.

Just off the phone with my brother who informs me of a break-in at Moylena. Some equipment/tools etc. taken and while this is a setback for him personally I know him and Moley will be back on track in no time.

Chins up lads and don't let the scumbags win.

Come on Andy-big Davy's a lamb.....unless he has a bat in his hand or a few pints on board. Only once saw him lose the 'bap' when the NICC President forgot to mention him at the Annual Dinner after he captained North to a Senior Cup win. A few pints later and it was back to normal. Great guy.

Met Davy briefly at a concert t'other week. He could be a right feisty character right enough whether on rugby or cricket pitches. He said he didn't think it was my type of music and I 'm still not sure what he meant. i got a bad lbw when he was bowling one day at Saintfield, which is probably how he got most of his wickets! did I say that? Glad to hear Claw got an award. Well deserved.

Have to agree with the comments on the NCU annual meetings and maybe there are not so many feisty characters about these days. Of course it may be the case that there have been many amendments to regs in past years that there are no further changes to be made as things are working reasonably well. Speaking of feisty characters I was in the company of Mr.David Napier at a recent dinner - definitely one for your list Clarence! We here having an in-depth discussion with Geoff Miller (who had announced his retirement the previous day) about the 'poaching' of Ireland players. Mr. Miller was advocating a 5 year moratorium - or maybe he felt a bit intimidated by big Davy!

Was delighted to read that Billy McCormick was awarded the services to cricket award at the recent AGM. As Clarence has mentioned 'the claw' has been a great servant to Holywood for many years. He was the driving force behind the clubs new facilities at Seapark, I understand. And I am sure it has all been fuelled by his love for his club.
A deserved winner if ever there was one - plus it seems that his legacy is being carried forward by young Philip who has given the club so much at such a relatively young age.
Perhaps Holywood should name the 'McCormick End" at Seapark?
Congratulations Billy and Holywood!

some complaints on other media about the number of clubs represented and lack of a photographer at the NCU dinner. I'm sure somebody has a view!!

Could it be we're become stuck in a time warp,like that brilliant BBC drama a few years back with John Simm and the excellent Philip Glenister as DCI Gene Hunt in 'Life on Mars', based on events in 1973? Here are the clues..

1.Mr Burrows returns after many years away from the local game, unaware of the ulster cricketer!

2.Liverpool F.C. are on a roll, back around 1973 they were about to dominate European soccer for the next 20 odd years!

3. Man Utd dropping quickly down the old division one and Man City no where to be seen !

4. No 'professional' cricketers playing in the N.C.U. chasing the pound back then!

1973, yes hope it's returned !

Hi Ivan - Arsenal top of the League, Man.U. closer to the bottom than the top and Mr. Clough sacked at Derby! Is this 1973?

Great to read that Simon Burrowes is alive and well. A seriously tough competitor and a great character . My first introduction was in an under 13 game at Sullivan Upper v Ballyclsre High School. I was opening the batting and Simon came charging in arms and legs every where and clean bowled me first ball. His teacher who was umpiring took pity on me and said it was a " trial ball ". Simon chirping as he always did wasn't happy and came charging in again and again send the stumps flying. I was out and away but had revenge in mind when the roles were reversed, but Simon being as I was to discover in later years was in aggressive form and finished the game in no time . Cricket is poorer for not having characters like Simon around . You will have no bother knowing if he's about as he could always be heard before he was seen.

Simon - if young Shannon, Johnston and Sims are still at it then there could be a place for an even younger yourself!! Good to hear you are still up & about.

Hiler, Holywood is probably a saner place without me. I'm probably reading about and generally following cricket more than for many years and, as I say, I've been bitten by the collecting mug. I've bookmarked this forum so will definitely keep in touch. And if anyone out here is also into Wisdens or indeed any other cricket literature I'd love to hear from them. Meanwhile, a startlingly good 25 points yesterday at the golf could herald a return to the cricket!