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Merrion all-rounder Damian Poder sadly died earlier this week following a long, courageous and dignified battle with cancer.

The 43 year-old was born in Australia but held an Irish passport through his mother who was born here.

In a glittering senior career with Merrion which spanned 20 seasons, he played 258 senior matches, scoring over 4,000 runs and taking 310 wickets.

He was twice leading wicket taker in Leinster cricket, and played in three Irish Senior cup finals, winning in 2010, and losing out in 2012 and 2013.

Tributes flooded in for the affable Poder with his club Merrion describing him as “A warrior on the field and a gent off it! A giant of the LCU game. A legend of our club. Rest In Peace Podes. You will be missed by all.”

Former Irish international and current NSW coach Trent Johnston paid tribute saying: “Sorry to hear the news about Damian Poder. One of the toughest competitors I ever played against. He never gave up. RIP Podes.”

Current Durham and Irish international Barry McCarthy passed on his condolences saying:”Deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Damian Poder. A great competitor and an even better bloke. Thoughts are with his family and friends.”

Poder was in the thoughts of everyone who gathered at the 2017 Awards night in Dublin’s city centre last night.

Former Irish international and selector Greg Molins added this poignant message: “Podes was a warrior indeed on the pitch. I will remember him for his extra cover drive, his prodigious turn, many a sledge between us, but a smile, a shake of the hands, and a drink in the bar afterwards. #toosoon #notfair #ripfriend.”

To his wife Ailish and son Cian, all in the Leinster and Irish cricket family send our condolences and prayers at this sad time.

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