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Tributes pour in for Roy Torrens

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Since the sad news of the passing of the Irish cricket legend Roy Torrens, tributes have poured in by email, social media and have featured across media platforms both home and around the world.
Here is just a small selection of tributes paid to Roy – more will be added.

Cricket Ireland

• Former President of Cricket Ireland and Roy’s dear friend, Robin Walsh wrote this tribute.
• Current Chairman of Cricket Ireland, Ross McCollum released this tribute.

Truly sad day for the cricket Ireland family, with the passing of Roy Torrens. let's hope the boys can give us a performance tomorrow, in Abu Dhabi, which will be a fitting tribute to his lasting memory @CricketEurope

— philip black (@philipblack2) January 23, 2021

Roy’s Club

It is with great sadness that the Officers, Players and Members of Brigade Cricket Club extend our deepest sympathies to Joan, Andrea, Judith, Joanne and the Torrens family on the death of our Chairman Roy Torrens. Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire family circle.

— Brigade Cricket Club (@brigade1906) January 23, 2021

Former players and coaches

Sometimes words fail to explain the impact that a person can have on us. Today @Irelandcricket lost one of its very best. I will be forever grateful for the times spent at home and around the world with the great Roy Torrens. Sincere sympathies to Joan and the family circle. pic.twitter.com/XsrwnbRicI

— Andrew White (@Whitey631) January 23, 2021

Crushing news of Uncle Roy’s passing. Irish cricket to the very core but an even better man. A few glasses of your favourite drop to celebrate the special times of which there are so many. Thoughts are with Joan and the whole family. RIP pic.twitter.com/vQMkMScTv5

— Paul Stirling (@stirlo90) January 23, 2021

I am deflated with the news that a great friend has been taken by this dreaded virus. You were an Irish international player, Selector, President, Manager through my eight years as coach but most of all you were my friend. Roy Torrens you were a LEGEND and will always be to me.

— Phil Simmons (@Coachsim13) January 23, 2021

Whether it was World Cups, Inter-continental Cups, Awards Nights or tucking your socks into your trousers to do the dirty work. You were always there. For me, for @Irelandcricket , for ANYONE. Broken-hearted but thankful for the many wonderful memories. RIP Roy. pic.twitter.com/Hj5SByOoDZ

— Kyle McCallan (@KMcOffie) January 23, 2021

• Peter Gillespie on BBC Radio Foyle

The international cricket family

Vale Roy Torrens #RIPRoy pic.twitter.com/ohduGY9m04

— Irish Cricketers (@IrishCricketers) January 26, 2021

Betty Timmer, Chair KNCB (Royal Dutch Cricket Board):

“We have received the sad news of the death of Roy Torrens, a long-standing member of the Irish cricket community. Roy’s passing must come as a big shock to you especially as he was so involved in Irish cricket and in so many different positions.

We keep a warm memory of the many visits he made to the Netherlands and the moments when we encountered him somewhere in the world. His death was also a much-shared message in the Dutch cricket community, I received it from many sides, we can only say that he left a big impression on many people.

On behalf of the KNCB I wish you and the Irish cricket community a lot of strength.”

Bob McFarlane, Cricket Scotland Board Director:

“I just heard of the sad passing of Big Roy Torrens. Roy was one of the first at Cricket Ireland to welcome me into the world of international cricket. He was a great servant to the game in Ireland and beyond and he will be sadly missed by all.”

William Glenwright, General Manager – Development, ICC:

“Whilst I never met Roy, it has struck me how important and how loved he seemed to be by everyone in the Irish Cricket Community – it has been quite amazing to read all of the tributes that have flowed in over the past few days for a man whose passion for cricket was seemingly matched only by his love of country. There are many in the ICC over the past few days who similarly have shared many fond memories of their time with Roy. No doubt this is a difficult time for you all and my thoughts are with you and his family. May he rest in peace.”

Justin Benson, former Irish captain:

“Please pass on my best wishes regarding the sad news about Roy’s death. A wonderful man who loved Irish Cricket with a passion as well as being great fun in the bar.”

Very sad news this morning with the death of Roy Torrens. Player, Selector, Manager, and President of @Irelandcricket. https://t.co/6B5pow90YW pic.twitter.com/3x7QMXhQMk

— NW Cricket Union (@NWCricketUnion) January 23, 2021

So sad to hear that @Irelandcricket legend Roy Torrens has died.

During his many years as Ireland team manager Roy regularly joined us in the TMS box as a very welcome guest summariser.

Our thoughts are with his friends & family. #bbccricket https://t.co/V59wSdsDDw

— Test Match Special (@bbctms) January 23, 2021

Lovely tribute @Whitey631 on @bbcradioulster just now and this shirt eh, signed by Sir Alex "from one great manager to another". Don't worry Whitey, my bottom lip went as well. Time to light the fire….#roytorrens pic.twitter.com/2qohc55g2A

— Michael Caulfield MSc (@TheCaulfieldWay) January 23, 2021

So sad to hear of Roy Torrens death. Big Man. Great to play with or against. Funny and self deprecating, There will be stories told about him and his wit for years. First met him in Malahide in 1967 and then last time, sadly, a year ago in Barbados.

— Michael Halliday (@hallidaymick) January 23, 2021

Media Tributes

There were tributes in the media, including:

The BBC tribute featured an interview with Andrew White:

'Team spirit was embodied by him'

Andrew White pays tribute to former @Irelandcricket pace bowler and national team manager Roy Torrens, who has died at the age of 72.

More: https://t.co/gpg81B1GTu pic.twitter.com/kCh5gMhbeW

— BBC SPORT NI (@BBCSPORTNI) January 23, 2021

• BBC NI News
• Irish Independent
• RTE
• Belfast Telegraph
• News Letter
• Cricinfo

And many tales

As people are sharing stories of Roy Torrens tonight, here’s one. In 2008, Ireland had just qualified for the Intercontinental Cup Final after a long tour to Kenya. Supporters hadn’t travelled and, as the team flew to Port Elizabeth for the final, it was unlikely anyone would go.

— Stella Downes (@scorerstell) January 23, 2021