NCU Hall of Fame
Anne Linehan
- Born: 7 October 1973, Downpatrick
- Educated: Queens University Belfast
- Ireland Caps: 61, 1989-2008
- Ireland Debut: July 1989 v Denmark at Nykøbing Mors CC, Denmark
- Style: Left Hand Batter, Wicket-Keeper
- Teams: Downpatrick, Waringstown Women
Anne made her international debut aged 15 at the 1989 European Cup in Denmark, where she impressed with four wickets, including a notable 2/28 against England. Initially selected as an off-spin bowler, she went on to open the batting by the time 1991 European Cup came around. After missing the 1993 World Cup, she returned to international cricket in 1995, where she played a starring role, scoring two half-centuries – 74 against Denmark and 56 against the Netherlands. Her 74-run partnership with Mary-Pat Moore, which set an Irish record for the opening wicket, was one of her career highlights.
Throughout the late 1990s, Linehan primarily played as a batter, but also took over from Sandra Dawson’s wicket-keeping duties after she retired. In 2000, she was part of Ireland’s historic first Test match against Pakistan, scoring an unbeaten 27 in a dominant team victory. She played a role in beating England in the 2001 European Cup final, “It was particularly sweet because England, who were the hosts, had their winner’s medals already engraved prior to the match!” reflected Anne.
Appointed captain in 2002, Linehan led Ireland in five ODIs, including matches against New Zealand and India. She continued to represent Ireland with distinction until her retirement after the 2008 World Cup Qualifier. Over her career, Linehan played 60 ODIs, ranking fifth for matches played and seventh for runs scored, amassing 699 runs. One of her favourite achievements was scoring her first half-century in the 2000 World Cup in New Zealand with her Uncle Alfie Linehan, one of the most influential and admired officials in the game at club and national level, former captain of Downpatrick and Ireland and former president of the Irish Cricket Union, watching on.
Reflecting on her cricket journey, Anne holds cherished memories of her father, Hugh, and brother, Paul, who were instrumental in sparking her love for the game. Among her earliest recollections is the heartfelt moment when they taught her how to hold a cricket bat, a simple yet profound introduction to a lifelong passion.
Her contributions to Irish women’s cricket are widely recognised, cementing her legacy as one of the country’s most influential players.
Stephen Warke
- Born: 11 July 1959, Belfast
- Educated: Belfast Royal Academy
- Ireland Caps: 114, 1981-1996
- Ireland Debut: 7 June 1981 v Canada at Ormeau, Belfast
- Style: Right Hand Batsman, Right Arm Off Spin
- Teams: Woodvale, MCC
Stephen Warke was one of the most accomplished and influential cricketers in Ireland’s history. A talented and consistent batsman, Warke passed 3,777 runs for Ireland, with an impressive knock of 82, including one six and nine fours, in a key partnership with Alan Lewis. His career was marked by several standout performances, such as a gritty 53 against Leicestershire in Ireland’s first-ever Benson and Hedges match, where he and Lewis were the only two Irish batsmen to tackle the challenging conditions.
Warke’s cricketing achievements extended beyond individual performances. In 1985, he played a dominant role in a memorable victory against Scotland, scoring an unbeaten 144* in a rain-affected match. In 1992, he scored a brilliant 113 against Wales, contributing to Ireland’s new first-wicket partnership record with Michael Rea. Warke also scored significant centuries against Scotland and Wales in the early 1990s, often leading from the front in crucial moments.
A natural leader, Warke captained Ireland in 39 matches between 1989 and 1993, earning respect for his tactical acumen despite facing tough competition from higher-ranked teams. His leadership saw Ireland through numerous memorable encounters, even when injury forced him to step down just before the 1994 ICC Trophy.
In addition to his cricket career, Warke was a talented rugby player and later excelled in the financial services industry. After retiring from international cricket, he continued to contribute to the sport as a selector at both provincial and national levels. Warke’s enduring legacy is reflected in his inclusion in Siggins and Fitzgerald’s “Ireland’s 100 Cricket Greats”, a testament to his exceptional skill, leadership, and influence on Irish cricket.
Kyle McCallan MBE
- Born: 27 August 1975, Carrickfergus
- Educated: Ballyclare High School & University of Ulster
- Ireland Caps: 227 (1996-2009)
- Ireland Debut: 2 June 1996 v Wales at Castle Avenue, Clontarf
- Style: Right hand batsman, Right-arm off spin
- NCU Club Teams: Cliftonville CC & Waringstown CC
When Kyle McCallan retired from international cricket, coach Phil Simmons said, “Not only is he a wonderful cricketer, but he’s been a superb ambassador for his sport”. As an all-rounder, Kyle made significant contributions with both bat and ball on every team he played for, as well as being “a perfect role model to both his team-mates and supporters of cricket in Ireland”. Owing to his immense contribution and commitment to the sport, he received an MBE in the 2010 Birthday Honours for Services to Cricket.
Kyle began playing cricket at Cliftonville CC in 1988 and it was here that he had his first taste of success. His team secured three consecutive Premier League titles between 1995 and 1997 with Kyle winning the NCU All-Rounder of the Year Award twice in this period. In 2005, he moved to Waringstown CC where he has continued to expand his list of club accolades. With them he has claimed 6 Premier League Titles, 4 Challenge Cups, 5 T20 Cups, 1 Ulster Cup and 4 Irish Senior Cups.
On the international stage, Kyle introduced himself with a bang. He took his first wicket for Ireland with his very first ball and scored his first century in only his second match. This was a sign of what was to come. By the end of his international career, he had amassed 226 caps, 54 as captain. He scored 3616 runs and took 256 wickets.
A highlight of his career was the 2007 World Cup where the Irish team exceeded all expectations, earning themselves a spot in the second stage of the tournament and famously defeating Pakistan along the way.
Kyle also represented Northern Ireland at the 1998 Commonwealth Games in Kuala Lumpur. This is a historic event in Northern Ireland’s cricketing history as it marked their only appearance in international cricket.
After retiring from international duty, Kyle’s passion for the game did not diminish. He continued to play with Waringstown CC until his retirement in 2022 and has also taken up commentating on Ireland matches for various broadcasters.
Donna Armstrong
- Born:15 February 1949, Belfast
- Educated: Down High School, Masonic Grammar School & Ulster College of Physical Education
- Ireland Caps: 35 (1983-1991)
- Ireland Debut: 25 July 1983 v Young Netherlands at Sportpark Maarschalkerweerd, Utrecht
- Style: Right hand batter, Right-arm slow
- NCU Club Teams: Belfast Women’s Cricket Club, Phoenix CC
Donna Armstrong was born into a cricketing family with her father Lloyd having played for Ireland and she carried the family tradition forward with distinction as the first NCU Woman to gain international recognition.
She played her club cricket for Belfast Women’s Cricket Club (which was loosely associated with Cliftonville Cricket Club) and Phoenix Cricket Club. Donna made her mark on the international stage, debuting for Ireland at the 1983 Centenary Tournament in The Netherlands. In the subsequent years her talent and dedication saw her and her international teammates embark on trips to England in 1985 and Trinidad and Tobago in 1986.
One of the defining moments of her career came into 1987 when she was part of the team that played against Australia in Ireland’s first ever ODI in men’s or women’s cricket. The following year she participated in the Shell Bicentennial Women’s World Cup in Australia.
Her contributions extended to the European Championships in 1990 and 1991, where Ireland finished runner’s up and third place respectively. Donna retired from international cricket after the 1991 tournament. Her longevity in the sport was exceptional. She played her final ODI at the age of 42 making her the oldest cricketer to have ever competed for Ireland at this level.
Donna’s domestic record with Ulster in the Tetra-Pak Women’s Interprovincial Championships was impressive. She captained the team throughout most of the 1980s and won player of the tournament in 1983 and again in 1989. Her standout performances included a memorable match against Munster in 1983, when she scored an unbeaten 75 and took 5 wickets for just 9 runs, leading her team to an 88-run victory.
Donna’s dedication went beyond her individual achievements. She was a driving force behind the growth of women’s cricket in Ulster and played an integral part in setting the foundations that have allowed the game to reach the level it is at today.
John McCormick
- Born:18 November 1942, Muckamore
- Educated: Antrim Technical College & Ballymena Technical College
- Style: Right-hand batsman, Wicket keeper
- NCU Club Teams: Muckamore CC
John McCormick was introduced to cricket by his father, Paddy, who played for Muckamore Cricket Club. He followed in his father’s footsteps and made his first appearance for the club in a Graham Cup match when he was only 8 years old. He excelled at the game and quickly moved up the ranks making his debut for the 1st XI at the tender age of 13.
Regarded by many as Muckamore’s greatest ever player, not only was John an exceptional wicket keeper, he was also a formidable batsman. He scored an astonishing 15000 runs, including one particularly impressive streak of 14 consecutive half centuries. While an Irish cap eluded him, he played many games for Ulster Country in the Guinness Cup.
John played a major role in Muckamore’s golden period of the 1960s and early 70s when they rose to the top tier of club cricket. In that time, they made it to four Challenge Cup Finals, winning one in 1963. His proudest achievement, however, was sharing the league with Waringstown, the then powerhouse of NCU cricket, in 1970.
It wasn’t until a hip replacement at 65 that John finally took a step back from playing. His contributions to the club off the field, however, far outweigh the heroics of his playing days and even today he has not slowed down in that regard.
Few, if any, who have entered the grounds at Moylena, have not been positively impacted by John in some way. He served as President, Chairman, Committee Member, Grounds Convenor and Club Captain. He has been the driving force behind every fundraising event at the club for over 50 years; one conservative estimate suggests that his efforts have helped to raise over £250,000. He has spent countless hours coaching, rolling the wickets, cutting the outfield, picking up litter in the car park and transporting youth players to their fixtures. His devotion to the club runs so deep that he has personally picked up the bills for grounds and machinery and has quietly paid the membership fees of those who were struggling.
In honour of his immense dedication to his club, Muckamore renamed one end of their main pitch “the John McCormick end” in 2021. Muckamore CC President Ivor McMeekin said, “Amongst his peers are many great clubmen in their own right but we all recognise him as ‘Mr Muckamore’, for he has a passion for this Club which may never be matched”.
Dermott Monteith
- Born: 2 June 1943 Lisburn, Co Antrim
- Died: 6 December 2009 Bangor, Co Down
- Educated: Royal Belfast Academical Institution; Queen’s University, Belfast
- Occupation: Clothing Manufacturer later developed own business in tracksuit production
- Debut: 9 June 1965 v MCC at Lord’s
- Cap Number: 502
- Style: Right hand batsman, slow left arm
- Teams: Lisburn, Queen’s University, National Cricket Association, MCC, Donaghadee
Dermot Monteith was, by any standards and in any company, a remarkable cricketer. “The most naturally talented cricketer that ever played for Ireland,” according to John Elder, who also comments that he had, “an outstanding cricket brain.” He was, unquestionably the best bowler of his kind ever to pull on an Irish jersey, being described by Roy Torrens as, “simply the best spin bowler Ireland has ever produced.”
Ivan Anderson
- Born: 13 August 1944, Armagh
- Educated: Armagh Royal School, Queen’s University, Belfast
- Occupation: IT Systems Manager
- Debut: 20 July 1966 v Middlesex at Ormeau
- Cap Number: 450
- Style: Right-hand bat, Right-arm off spin
- Teams: Armagh, Queen’s University, Waringstown
Ivan Anderson was, unquestionably, the finest Irish batsman of his generation. Few would deny him a place in the top half dozen best Irish bats of all time: “Arguably the most complete Irish cricketer in history” (Siggins and Fitzgerald), he was a stylish upper order player, capable of dominating the best attacks, brilliant cover fielder, and a very good off spinner, who gave little away.
Simon Corlett
- Born :18 January 1950, Blantyre Nyasaland (now Malawi)
- Educated: Worksop College, Nottinghamshire Oxford University
- Occupation: Designer and Builder of Conservatories
- Debut: 21 June 1974 v Netherlands at ACC Amsterdam
- Cap Number: 525
- Style :Right-hand bat, right arm fast medium / right arm off spin
- Teams: Oxford University, CIYMS, NICC