Irish and North West cricket mourn death of Roy Torrens

The Brigade Chairman was a hugely popular figure in Ireland cricket having represented his country 30 times before his high-profile stint as national team manager from from 2004-16 was in a period of stunning Irish success.

Torrens was a larger than life character and while he also played Irish League football for Coleraine and Ballymena United, it was in cricket where he made his name.

Ross McCollum, Chairman of Cricket Ireland, said: “I am greatly saddened to learn of the loss of our great friend, Roy Torrens. Roy was a truly remarkable character, an immense presence in Irish cricket, and a truly great friend - not just personally, but to many people within and outside the cricket family.”

“He was a player, a team manager, a President and - most importantly - an inspiration to all he met.

“It goes without saying, but we will miss him greatly and our hearts go out to Joan, the family and his friends at this time.”

A committed player for the Brigade, he won 30 Ireland caps between 1966 and 1984, taking 77 wickets with his best figures 7-40 against Scotland in 1974.

His period as national team manager saw the country achieve unprecedented success - notably the wins over Pakistan, England and West Indies at successive World Cups in 2007, 2011 and 2015.

Torrens was recognised for his contribution to cricket when he was awarded an OBE in the Queen's Birthday Honours List in 2009.