Ham Lambert

Ham Lambert made nine first-class appearances for Ireland, turning out for them 22 times in all, as a middle-order batsman, and would have added more caps had his career not been interrupted by World War Two.

It was as a rugby player he was more famous. In 1928, even though only aged 18, he was good enough to win a place in a Lansdowne back line that contained five internationals, and they dominated the domestic game in that era. He made his provincial debut for Leinster against Connacht in 1930, and in 1934 he was capped twice by Ireland against Scotland and Wales. An injury brought a premature end to his rugby, but he remained in the game as a top referee. He officiated in nine Five Nations matches between 1948 and 1952 as well as tour other tour matches featuring Australia and South Africa.

Lambert was also a good badminton player and golfer. At the time of his death he was Ireland's oldest rugby international.
Martin Williamson