Former Ireland president dies

Bob Kerr, the former president and chairman of the Irish Cricket Union (ICU), has died in Jamaica of a suspected heart attack.

Kerr, 68, was with a group of Irish supporters at the Jamaica Sunset Grand Hotel in the resort of Oche Rios on the north coast of the island, collapsed and died at 4am this morning.

It is a further tragic blow to befall the World Cup, following the death in suspicious circumstances on Sunday of Pakistan's coach, Bob Woolmer.

Adrian Birrell, coach of the Ireland team said: "This is tragic news, and on behalf of the entire squad and management, I'd like to pass on our sympathy and condolences to his wife Hope, and his family circle. Bob was a great ambassador for Irish cricket, and worked tirelessly in his various roles within cricket."

Former ICU Chairman Joe Doherty paid tribute saying: "We are all stunned by this news. Bob has given outstanding service to Irish cricket at club, provincial, and national level, holding almost every senior position in the land with distinction."

Kerr, a retired headmaster, was a stalwart of Irish cricket. Having held posts as both secretary and chairman of the Northern Ireland Cricket Association, among other clubs and associations, he was appointed president of the ICU in 2004. One of Kerr's primary goals as president was to ensure Ireland qualified for the 2007 World Cup, an objective he achieved.