Charity match salutes memory of teammate

5/ 9/2007

EX-TEAMMATES and colleagues turned out in force to honour a former fireman at a charity cricket match.

Past and present players from Fothergill and Harvey Cricket Club gathered in memory of Arthur Dougherty, who died from a stroke last March aged 56.

Mr Dougherty, of Petts Crescent, Littleborough, played for the club in the North Manchester League for more than 30 years and was based at the town’s fire station for 22 years.

His widow Eileen said: "The day went very well and about 100 people attended. It was a good match between the veterans and new boys.

"Everyone got into the spirit of the friendly game which was won by the new boys. Arthur would have loved the day and I was very surprised by the strength of everyone’s goodwill."

A framed cricket shirt in memory of Mr Dougherty was presented to current members of the Fothergill squad by the Northern Irish cricket team, Glendermott.

Although he did not play for the team, his family from Northern Ireland have strong connections with the club and wanted to pay tribute to him.

The shirt will now be displayed at the Queen’s Hotel as a permanent memorial to the left-handed batsman.

Spectators and players also enjoyed a barbecue and the weather remained fine, despite the threat of rain.

Last year a similar event raised £1,000 for the Stroke Association and St Barnabas’ Church, Shore and all proceeds from the Bank Holiday match will be donated to the same groups.