Irish and North West cricket mourn death of Roy Torrens

The North West Cricket Union is deeply saddened to learn of the passing this morning of Brigade CC Chairman, Roy Torrens.

A superb fast bowler for the Beechgrove side, Roy’s exploits brought him to the attention of the Ireland selectors in 1966- the beginning of a lifelong relationship with the national team. Capped 30 times as a player, Roy went on to become Chair of Selectors, Chair of the Ireland Cricket Committee and then Irish President, before an 11-year spell as National Team Manager.

On his retirement from that post, he returned to the Limavady Road and soon agreed to take on the role of club chairman at Brigade. His influence, like his personality was huge and the outpouring of grief that has followed the news of his death today is testament to his standing in the game here.

North West Chairman Brian Dougherty paid his tribute by suggesting that Roy epitomised everything the local Union stands for.

”North West and Irish cricket has lost one of its great ambassadors. Integral to the Brigade club, synonymous with the Torrens family, his return after his national roles helped mark significant success for the club on and off the field. A larger than life character, a fierce competitor and a cricket man through and through he helped epitomise all that we recognise as important in North-west Cricket.”

For all his achievements, including being awarded an OBE in 2009, Roy Torrens was quite simply, one of us. His is a huge loss to local and national cricket.

Our sympathies to Joan, Andrea, Judith, Joanne and the entire family at this incredibly difficult time. May his gentle soul Rest In Peace.