Former Ardmore and North West opening batsman Cyril Ward, one of the most stylish and accomplished players of his generation in the region, has died.

Ward was a permanent presence at the top of the Ardmore order from the 1960s through to the end of the 1980s, becoming synonymous with the Bleachgreen club during a distinguished career spanning several decades.

A classy left-hander with an extensive range of strokes, Ward was particularly renowned for the purity of his driving. Those who watched him regularly remember a batter who combined elegance with the ability to score heavily against the strongest attacks in North West cricket.

His performances for Ardmore inevitably brought representative recognition and he became an important member of the North West side.

Ward was part of the team which made history by winning the inaugural Guinness Cup in 1966, an achievement which established the North West as a major force in Irish inter-provincial cricket.

He remained among the leading opening batsmen in the region for many years and there was a widespread feeling that Ward, along with fellow North West stalwarts Clarkie Nicholl and Ian Rankin, were unfortunate never to receive senior international recognition with Ireland.

For former North West President Connie McAllister, however, Ward will be remembered every bit as much for his friendship and personality as his considerable cricketing ability.

McAllister and Ward grew up playing together at Ardmore and remained close friends.

“It was with great sadness that I learned of Cyril’s passing,” said McAllister.

“Cyril was a great chum of mine throughout our teenage years when we were playing cricket for Ardmore.

“He was without doubt one of the best. In my opinion, he was the best opening batsman Ardmore ever had, and he proved that not only with Ardmore but also with the North West.

“His ability to strike the ball so cleanly was wonderful, and his cover drive in particular was a joy to behold.”

Ward belonged to an era when club cricket occupied a central place in communities across the North West, and his longevity meant several generations of supporters at the Bleachgreen grew accustomed to seeing the left-hander walking out to open the innings.

His contribution was not simply measured in runs. He represented the standards and traditions of an Ardmore club which has produced many outstanding cricketers, while his performances at inter-provincial level ensured his reputation extended far beyond his home ground.

To be selected for the North West during such a strong period was an achievement in itself, but being part of the historic 1966 Guinness Cup-winning side gave Ward a permanent place in the region's cricketing history.

His quality was such that contemporaries invariably include his name when discussing the finest North West batsmen not to have represented Ireland.

McAllister admitted the news of the death of his former team-mate and lifelong friend had affected him deeply.

“A deep sadness has overcome me hearing about his death,” he said.

“I pass on all my condolences to his immediate family and to the wider Ward family. They are wonderful people.

“Cyril was a wonderful person and a magnificent cricketer.”

For Ardmore, the North West cricketing community and those fortunate enough to have watched him in his prime, Ward leaves memories of an elegant left-hander. More importantly, for those who played alongside him and knew him personally, they have lost a valued friend and one of the enduring figures in Ardmore Cricket Club’s history.

Condolences to all the family circle.

Cyril will be laid to rest at St Mary's Church Ardmore on Friday at 2pm, with burial immediately afterwards in the adjoining cemetery. 

May his gentle soul Rest In Peace.