Tributes paid to cricket stalwart Harry McCrory

Mr McCrory, originally from Portadown but who had lived in Lurgan, Co Armagh, had been a life-long member of Laurelvale Cricket Club.

At Laurelvale he served as both a player and captain but it was his efforts in mentoring younger players through the ranks that Harry will be most remembered.

Harold was also an efficient and hard-working secretary at the club and over decades helped bring the clubhouse from two small changing rooms to the great clubhouse and bar it is today, as well as doubling the cricket field.

The governing body of cricket here, the Northern Cricket Union, said: “The President, Chairman and Directors of the Northern Cricket Union have learnt with sadness of the passing of Harold McCrory. Harold served as Chairman of the Union 1998-99 and was an Honorary Life Member. He was a stalwart of Laurelvale CC and played for the club into his 60s.

“Our deepest sympathy is extended to his wife Sally and the family circle.”

Mr McCrory, who died in hospital on August 15, was the dearly loved husband of Sally and beloved father of Joanne, father in law of David and Granda to Owen.

A service of thanksgiving was held for Mr McCrory on Monday followed by interment.

A message from the Editor:

Thank you for reading this story on our website. While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you.

In order for us to continue to provide high quality and trusted local news on this free-to-read site, I am asking you to also please purchase a copy of our newspaper whenever you are able to do so.

Our journalists are highly trained and our content is independently regulated by IPSO to some of the most rigorous standards in the world. But being your eyes and ears comes at a price. So we need your support more than ever to buy our newspapers during this crisis.

With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our local valued advertisers - and consequently the advertising that we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you helping us to provide you with news and information by buying a copy of our newspaper when you can safely.

You can also enjoy unlimited access to the best news from across Northern Ireland and the UK by subscribing to newsletter.co.uk

With a digital subscription, you can read more than five articles, see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content. Visit https://www.newsletter.co.uk/subscriptions now to sign up.

Thank you