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Irish cricket has lost one of its most ardent supporters following the death of Martin McGuinness at the age of 66.
An unlikely cricket fan, the former Deputy First Minister fell in love with the game watching highlights packages on television in the late 1960’s. He supported not only the Irish team, but also backed England during their epic Ashes win in the iconic 2005 series.

Although he never played organised cricket, McGuinness used to have matches on the beach with his children during holidays in Gweedore, Co Donegal, where the opposition would be provided by former Assembly speaker Mitchell McLaughlin and his children – he often recalled during interviews about “The embarrassment of being dismissed by a 5 year-old!”.

Speaking following Ireland’s win over the West Indies in the 2015 World Cup, he told RTE: “I think cricket is a great game and since Ireland has risen to such prominence over the last couple of years I have taken a particular interest in it. I have to say last night’s performance against one of the world’s greats of cricket, the West Indies, was absolutely tremendous.”

In a 2012 interview with The Guardian, McGuinness happily remembered another famous day for Irish cricket: the famous St Patrick’s Day win over Pakistan at the 2007 World Cup.

At a reception in Stormont jointly held by Ian Paisley and Martin McGuinness on their return, the team gave him one of the ties they wore at the tournament which he described as “now a much favoured tie of mine”.

He added later in that interview that he saw the sport as a great way of breaking down religious barriers, with people from all faiths and walks of life enjoying the sport in Ireland.

“People say it’s mostly Protestants who take an interest in cricket. But I don’t think that’s the case. All over the north, we have people from the Catholic tradition who also play. And I have to say I’m very proud of that.”

He saw a cricket match live for the first time when he and Peter Robinson attended a series against Bangladesh at Stormont, and was excited at the prospect of Ireland gaining Test Match status.

His love for the game was perhaps best illustrated by his dressing up as one of England’s most famous cricketers WG Grace, to help raise funds for the Northern Ireland Children’s Hospice.

The idea was the brainchild of photographer Tommy Hassan and found a willing participant in McGuinness, who told the Belfast Telegraph at the time: “When I arrived for the photo-shoot and saw the false beard and the cricket gear along with a make-up artist I wondered what in heaven’s name I was getting into. But it’s a fantastic idea.”

The grip Irish cricket had on McGuinness was never more evident than during a Sinn Fein gathering where the speeches from the delegates were held up as he and friends were watching the culmination of Ireland’s gripping World Cup win against the UAE!

Cricket Ireland President Henry Tighe spoke of his death saying: “Martin McGuinness was a great supporter and ambassador for Irish cricket. We send our condolences to his family circle. May he Rest In Peace.”


Martin McGuinness as WG Grace (c) Tommy Hassan/Belfast Telegraph
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