The sudden death over the weekend of John Dawson, the honorary secretary of the Leinster Cricket Union (LCU), will have shocked everyone connected with the game throughout the country.
Dawson, in his day a batsman of considerable prowess and a very useful bowler for more than 20 years with the Civil Service club, had worked in that capacity since 1976, when he succeeded the late Rory YatesHale. Among his many duties with the LCU was the annual compilation and editing of the Union's handbook, invariably an excellent production. He was also a delegate to the Irish Cricket Union and the International Cricket Council. He was a most able administrator, invariably helpful, courteous and efficient.
Dawson played on one of the most successful teams in the Civil Service club's history, that which won the Senior 2 Cup and League double in 1964. As a middle order left hand batsman, he was a powerful hitter, and he scored five centuries in the course of his career, his highest being an innings of 130 runs.
He also played a key role in the Civil Service win over Leinster in the 1969 Senior 2 final, which is still the club's last major success. Following Leinster's score of 123, Civil Service were in trouble at 80 for 5, but coming in at number seven to join Leslie Hewson, Dawson set about the bowling to steer the team to victory.
Dawson was a complete "natural", and that goes for his friendly demeanour and good companionship off the field. Deepest sympathy is extended to his wife Helen, daughters Michele and Sharon and sons Alan and Mark.
