Ham Lambert/An appreciation: Ham Lambert, who died on Tuesday at the age of 96, was by any standards simply a sporting legend, writes Gerry Thornley.

For almost 80 years Noel Hamilton "Ham" Lambert was was totally involved in Irish sporting life.

In rugby he played at the highest level; subsequently as a referee he again reached the pinnacle of the game; and, latterly, he was the IRFU's senior refereeing assessor, a position he held until recently.

In cricket his international career spanned 16 years.

Born in Dublin on 5th June, 1910, Ham Lambert was educated at Sandford Park School, Rossall College and the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons.

He joined Lansdowne rugby club on leaving school, winning Senior Cup medals in the club's golden era in 1928-1929 and 1930-1931, and in the same years won Bateman Cups, scoring five tries in those two finals.

He was selected to play for Ireland, but a serious leg injury limited his test career to two caps.

As a cricketer with Leinster CC, Lambert played 21 times for Ireland in a career spanning the years 1931 to 1947. He scored a total of 577 runs at an average of 18.03.

His father, RJH "Bob" Lambert, brother Robert Lambert and nephew Sep Lambert also played cricket for Ireland.

Bob Lambert senior was also a badminton international and president of the Irish Cricket Union.

As a rugby referee, Ham became one of the top officials in these islands, overseeing 11 internationals despite the interruption of the second World War.

His last match was England versus Wales at Twickenham, when he caused much angst among RFU committee members by officiating in his beloved Lansdowne jersey.

No mean golfer, Ham played off a single-figure handicap, and at the age of 90 he won the prize for the best front nine at the Lansdowne outing.

He also remained active as a referee assessor until the end of last season and came to be recognised as the undisputed doyen of Irish refereeing.

He was predeceased by his wife, Jean, and is survived by his children, Bruce, Jeanette and Mark, who deservedly remember Ham with great pride and affection.

Ham's funeral will be held privately.

A memorial service will take place on Saturday in Christ Church, Church Road, Bray, at 11.30am.

Family flowers only are requested, with donations in memory of Ham to the Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind.

May his kindly soul rest in peace.

Ham Lambert: born June 5th, 1910; died October 10th, 2006.