The President, Board and Staff at the Northern Cricket Union were saddened to hear of the recent passing of Roy Thompson. Roy passed away at his home in Spain on 12 March 2024. All at the NCU wish to convey our condolences to his wife Kathleen, his children Stephen, Keith and Karen, and the wider family circle.
Roy started his cricket career at North Down CC, playing for the 1stXI and 2ndXI teams and served on their Senior Committee. He was an administrator of the highest calibre and is one of several members credited for revitalising the club after the Second World War, particularly through the 1960s. He made the move to Muckamore CC in 1976 after taking up a teaching position at Antrim Grammar School and went on to play at various levels for the club for many years.
He was a valued member of the Northern Cricket Union and held several positions across 25 years from the mid-1970s. His most notable contribution was to Schools’ Cricket where he was first elected to the Committee in the late 1970s, before returning in 1988 and chairing the Committee from late 1990 to 1995.
He also coached and managed Ulster Schools’ and Irish Schools’ teams during the 1980s and 1990s leading many overseas tours during this period. He is fondly remembered by many of the players who played in these teams.
Roy will be repatriated to Northern Ireland in the coming days and his funeral arrangements will be made in due course.