Jimmy Boucher - a tribute

Born James Chrysostom Boucher, but known universally in Irish Cricket as Jimmy, his sudden death in Spain on Christmas Day brought to an end the life of one of, if not indeed the, greatest of Irish cricketers. Born on 22nd December 1910, his massive contribution to Irish cricket started with his selection to represent Ireland at the age of 18 in 1929. It finished, insofar as official roles were concerned, in 1976 when he stepped down as a Selector. However, for the rest of his life he continued to pass on the benefit of his views to all of those prepared to listen to his lifetime of knowledge.

His Irish career as a player lasted 25 years, from 1929 to 1954. During that time he played 60 Matches and took 307 wickets, a record at the time and only since beaten by Dermott Monteith. Not content with that he also scored some 1,161 runs. At a time when Ireland played more first class matches than the present annual fixture against Scotland, he played 28 first class matches in all and took 168 wickets in those matches at an average of 14.04. It perhaps gives some idea of his skill when one realises that this figure was better even that the late great Hedley Verity. He also topped the first class averages on no less than 3 occasions.

In style he was perhaps somewhat unusual, an off spinner who took a 15 yard run up. Indeed his pace was probably nearer to medium than slow, but he was a remarkable spinner of the ball and pos- sessed great powers of flight.

His best bowling performance in terms of innings figures was against New Zealand in 1937 - a scheduled three day game that finished in one! He took 7 for 13 in the New Zealand first in- nings. New Zealand eventually won the match by 8 wickets but to the end Jimmy claimed that had a chance not been dropped off him that would have made New Zealand 0 for 2 chasing 46 in the second innings Ireland would have won.

When his playing career finished he was straightaway involved in administration, having taken over just before his retirement as Honorary Secretary of the Irish Cricket Union. He filled this role with great distinction for 20 years. He combined it for part of the time with the role of an Irish Selector , which he was from 1963 to 1976.

His club cricket started at the age of 14 for Civil Service. He moved to Phoenix when he was 17 and played for the Phoenix club until he was 53. For Phoenix he played over 400 matches taking some 1300 wickets at 11.48 and scoring 7,545 runs.

A bachelor, after his retirement from the Electricity Supply Board Jimmy spent many a winter in Spain, returning for the cricket season and to meet his many cricket friends. Some of these, knowing his strongly held views on certain topics, partic- ularly limited overs cricket, were not slow on occasion to tease him to hear him trenchantly express his views on these topics. However, it was all done by people who held the man in the greatest respect for all that he did for Irish cricket.

He will be a hard act to live up to. God rest you Jimmy.