Norman followed in the footsteps of his father Charlie and uncles who played for Malahide Cricket Club since the late 1890's. Norman played youth cricket in Malahide in the 1950's and graduated to the senior teams. Most of his cricket was played on the thirds but he also featured for the seconds and on occasions turned out for the firsts in the 1960's (24 appearances).
Norman originally was a bowler who batted. He bowled seamers from a short run up. In 1967 and '68 he captained the thirds which included a young Alan Hughes. He was the ideal captain as his style was to give everybody a chance and always encouraging particularly younger players. And of course his teams embodied the spirit of the game.
From the early 1970's Norman concentrated more on his batting and often opened the innings. His style was solid with a favoured square cut. Again most of his play was on the thirds and fourths. On one memorable occasion on a Justin Rodgers led 4th XI, Donald Henderson and Norman put on a mammoth 180 opening stand v Railway Union in Park Avenue. Norman scored a career best 80.
Malahide CC toured Scotland every 5 years beginning in 1965, 1970, 1975, 1980 and finally in 1985. These tours were part of the fabric of the Club with endless stories filtering down through the generations. Norman was very much part of that fabric and featured in all 5 Scottish tours. In fact he drove on most of the trips although his sense of direction on occasion might have led to a wrong turning here and there! There was mention of ending up on the road to Aberdeen in the north of Scotland when in fact the game was in a more southerly direction! All of the tours were based in Edinburgh (Watsonians CC, Edinburgh Academicals CC, Grange CC) which was a particular favourite of Norman. His conviviality and good company on tour led to lasting friendships with Scottish counterparts and often to return games in the Village. When The Grange Club toured these shores, in cricket and hockey, Norman was ever willing to lend a hand, including many much appreciated car lifts. In tribute The Grange Club made Norman an honorary life member in 1975.
As the playing days faded Norman continued to contribute by umpiring in the various Leinster leagues. His knowledge of the game as well as his understanding of the intricacies of a cricketers mind meant that he was sought after and a popular official. Also, off the pitch he contributed greatly and was a much respected and popular honorary treasurer of the Leinster Cricket Union Umpires governing body from 2002-2015.
In the early days of the late 60's his administrative life in Malahide CC began as Team Secretary. He then brought his professional experience by Auditing the accounts of the Club for many years from 1973 well into the 1980's. Between 1973 and 1977 the accounts were prepared by his good friend Billy Goodwin who was Treasurer from 1963 to 1977. In 1990 Norman took over as Treasurer and effectively remained in place for the next 20 years. He ran a steady ship and kept the Club on the straight and narrow through many difficult years. During this period he was also President of the Club for two terms. The first term in 1997 and '98 and then as President for the Club's 150th Year in 2011. In 2013 the members elected Norman as Patron of the Club (in succession to Joe McCleery) and remained so until his passing.
Visiting teams and officials were always given a traditional friendly Village welcome by Norman. A cup of tea and sandwich during the Tea Interval and maybe even a bottle of stout after the game!
His contribution, all voluntary, to the Club and by extension to Leinster and Irish cricket has been immense and immeasurable.
Sadly, Norman's wife Patience passed away a short time after Norman.
May they rest in peace.
bgilmore