Torrens (61), played 30 times for Ireland as an opening bowler between 1966 and 1984, taking 77 wickets at an average of 25.66. His best bowling analysis in an Irish jersey was 7-40 versus Scotland at Ayr in 1974.
Domestically, Torrens played in a very successful Brigade side which won many NW trophies, before finishing his career with Coleraine.
When his playing career ended, Torrens took time out from cricket, setting up a thriving guest house business in Portrush. He returned to the game in 1992 as a National selector, serving as Chairman for two seasons. In 2000 he was a very popular and successful President of the Irish Cricket Union.
He then accepted the role as Chairman of the Cricket Committee, before becoming manager of the Ireland team in 2005, just prior to the start of the ICC Trophy. He was manager as Ireland qualified for the Super Eight phase of the 2007 World Cup in the West Indies, a tournament which really announced the arrival of Irish cricket on the world stage. More trophies followed, including three Intercontinental Cups, and earlier this year, the ICC World Cup Qualifying Trophy.
The timing of the announcement couldn’t have been better, as Ireland are through to the Super Eight phase of the ICC World Twenty20, and have games on Sunday and Monday against Sri Lanka and Pakistan in London.
Torrens was also a more than useful soccer player, winning seven caps at Youth level for Northern Ireland while at his hometown club, Derry City, and he also collected three full amateur caps. His other clubs included Ballymena United, for whom he played in the 1970 Irish Cup final against Linfield, and Institute where he was player/manager.
Torrens said of his award, “It’s a great thrill and honour for not only me personally, but also Irish cricket. I’d like to thank them for putting up with me all these years! I can honestly say I’ve enjoyed every minute of it. It’s been a quite remarkable journey.”
Cricket Ireland President Arthur Vincent paid tribute to Torrens saying, “I’m delighted that his hard work for Irish cricket has been recognised with this prestigious honour. It’s fully deserved, and I’m thrilled not only for Roy, but his wife Joan and their family, who have been wonderful supporters of Irish cricket over the years.”
