A gentleman and true friend

Eric umpired at every level of the game, from junior and intermediate league matches to games involving the cream of International cricket.

And while he was handed the honour of taking charge of those big matches, his greatest trait was that he treated every player the same whether he played for the West Indies or the Waterside.

Killaloo was his early stomping ground where himself, “Lofty” and Marky McGonigle, Maurice Simpson and Eric’s cousin Sidney Cooke spent most of their days fielding for the more established players.

Eric was to later make his own mark at City of Derry on Duncreggan Road where he was a spin bowler of some repute.

It was when he put on the white coat however that he was to really stand out – reaching the very top of his trade courtesy of his wonderful demeanour. He was strong when he had to be; unafraid of reputations, but with a modesty and honesty that was to become his trademark.

Despite rubbing shoulders with the great Test players of our generation, Eric preferred to be among friends and he was a welcome sight for teams the length and breadth of Ireland.

You knew when Eric came to umpire your match that you were getting a guy who knew what he was doing.

You also knew that in all probability it was going to be a long evening in the clubhouse-albeit a thoroughly entertaining one. He took his cricket seriously, but putting a smile on people’s faces was every bit as important.

It was little surprise when Eric decided to give up umpiring for a few years – his grandchildren Amber, Zach and Max were the absolute apple of his eye and having seen and done it all on a cricket pitch, his time with them was priceless. Robin Glenn and I tried valiantly over the last four or five years to entice him back to the Umpires

Association and while he never refused to consider it, we both knew his heart lay elsewhere.

Eric’s death has literally knocked all of us for six; however the loss felt by those he cherished is immeasurable. Our deepest sympathies are sent to his wife Valerie, his mother Lily, daughters Wendy and Tracey,

son-in-law Dan and his brother Roy as well as his extended family and friends.

Irish cricket has lost a true gentleman and a very dear friend.

Rest in Peace, Eric

Lawrence Moore