Former ICU president John Wright dies

John Wright, the former president and secretary of the Irish Cricket Union, has died aged 65 following a short illness.

Wright was involved with Irish cricket for over 30 years, both with the ICU and Leinster and only stepped down as secretary at the last AGM as the ICU was restructured into Cricket Ireland.

Wright also made significant contributions by working on European cricket and also had a spell on the ICC's chief executives committee. He was a recipient of an ICC global lifetime service award, which he collected at Lord's last month.

"John was a wonderful servant and ambassador for Irish cricket throughout the world," said Tom Prior, the former ICU president. "His dedication and professionalism were major factors in the tremendous success that Irish cricket has experienced at all levels of the game. It was a great honour and joy to be with him during Ireland's magnificent World Cup campaign in the West Indies."

Cricket Ireland chairman David Williams said: "It was a very great privilege to have John not only as a colleague in cricket, but also as a valued friend. John's cheery disposition, and wonderful sense of humour was always an inspiration to his friends, and no problem ever arose that John's sharp mind was unequal to."

Senior ICC figures also offered their condolences. "This is sad loss for cricket," said Ray Mali, the ICC president. "John's influence and hard work benefited the game beyond Ireland's shores and he is going to be greatly missed.

"John leaves behind a great legacy - the work he was involved in has helped to put Irish cricket at the forefront of the Associate game and his contribution as a member of ICC committees made sure that his expertise had a global effect.