Raymond Hunter

It was with sadness that members of Lurgan Rugby Football and Cricket Club learned of the passing of former 1stXI cricket captain Raymond Hunter. Raymond was an exceptionally talented sportsman excelling at both cricket and rugby, playing both at the highest level. He won 10 caps for Ireland in the old Five Nations competition between 1962 and 1966 and also toured with the British and Irish Lions.

But it is with cricket that he will be most fondly remembered for at Pollock Park. Raymond was an all-rounder, a medium pace bowler and right handed batsmen, winning 28 caps for Ireland and captaining the team 3 times, his best performance being in the 1961 match against the MCC when he claimed 5 wickets for just 22 runs. In total he scored over 800 runs including three half centuries and took 33 wickets with the ball at international level. Raymond started his cricket career at Lisburn but moved to Lurgan in the 1960’s. He made many memorable performances for the town side, but his most influential game was probably in the 1972 Senior Challenge Cup Final, when he top scored with crucial knocks of 87no and 65no to ensure the trophy came to Lurgan for the first time. All three of Raymond’s sons, Alan, Neil and Graeme, followed in their father’s footsteps at the club, all playing with distinction for the 1stXI. Off the field Raymond served for many years on the cricket section committee and was instrumental in the development of the cricket square and the grounds in general when the rugby and cricket clubs amalgamated in the mid-seventies and cricket eventually moved to Pollock Park in 1980.

To his wife Maureen, sons Alan, Neil and Graeme and daughter Susan and their extended families, we send our deepest sympathies.