STRABANE MOURNS PASSING OF MUCH-LOVED ‘MIXER’ McCROSSAN
Strabane cricket and the wider community are mourning the death of Michael “Mixer” McCrossan, a much-loved local character whose association with the town’s sporting and social life spanned several decades.
Known throughout the North West cricket community for his long service as a scorer with Strabane, McCrossan was also closely involved with Strabane Football Club, St Joseph’s Boys’ Club and the local trade union movement.
Joe Doherty, the former President and Chairman of Cricket Ireland and one of the figures most closely associated with Strabane cricket, described McCrossan as his lifelong friend.
The pair attended primary school together before playing football and table tennis for St Joseph’s Boys’ Club, where McCrossan would later give many years of service as a club leader.
They also played football for Strabane FC, which was run by Michael’s brother John, but it was at Strabane Cricket Club where “Mixer” became one of the most recognisable and popular figures in North West sport.
“When I scored for the Second XI at Strabane Cricket Club in the 1960s, Mixer used to come along and sit with me,” recalled Doherty.
“When I got the call to play for the teams, he moved into the chair and, before long, was scoring for the Firsts.”
It became a role McCrossan would perform with distinction for more than 40 years.
From his position in the scorebox, he recorded many of the most significant occasions in Strabane’s history, beginning with the club’s Senior League title success in 1968.
His reliability and expertise were also recognised beyond the domestic game when he was selected by the Irish Cricket Union to score an international fixture between Ireland and the MCC at Eglinton.
During an era when scorers were integral and widely respected members of every club, McCrossan became part of a distinguished North West group that included Brigade’s Albert Moore, Donemana’s Lexie Kerrigan, St Johnston’s Scott Alexander and Eglinton’s Lenny Ritchie.
Doherty remembered him as a “friendly, affable and co-operative official” who was known and loved at grounds throughout the region.
However, McCrossan’s contribution to Strabane Cricket Club extended far beyond the recording of runs and wickets.
He was an outstandingly popular presence in the clubhouse and a familiar face to several generations of players, officials and supporters.
Although failing health prevented him from attending as regularly as he would have wished in recent years, the warmth of the reception he received whenever he returned demonstrated the depth of affection in which he was held.
“There was always a warm welcome for him — and not just from the old-timers,” said Doherty.
“You are already sadly missed, Michael. Till we meet again, old friend.”
McCrossan was equally well known throughout Strabane and the Head of the Town, with many remembering his years working at the Adria clothing factory.
Like his brother Felix, he was active in the trade union movement and served as a shop steward with the former National Union of Tailor and Garment Workers.
His work on behalf of colleagues reflected the same qualities he demonstrated throughout his community life — loyalty, dependability and a willingness to give his time to others.
His years as a youth leader at the old St Joseph’s Boys’ Club also formed an important part of his legacy, helping provide guidance, friendship and sporting opportunities to young people in the town.
The respect afforded to Michael was shared by the entire McCrossan family, whose contribution to Strabane life has long been recognised.
His passing removes another of the great characters who helped give the town’s clubs and organisations their distinctive sense of community.
For those who knew “Mixer” through cricket, football, work or community life, the memories will be of a kind, sociable and devoted Strabane man who gave decades of loyal service without ever seeking recognition.
The scorebox will be quieter without him, but Michael McCrossan’s place in the story of Strabane Cricket Club and the town he loved is secure.
Michael will be laid to rest on Tuesday in Strabane - condolences to all the McCrossan family.
