Tribute page - Kevin McCullagh

Kevin McCullagh (54), died on the evening of Friday 15th August 2003 in hospital following his collapsing whilst keeping wicket for Wallasey in a Liverpool Echo Knockout Trophy semi final at Rake Lane, home of neighbour's New Brighton.

Kevin James McCullagh, born 21st July 1949, died 15th August 2003 aged 54 years.

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(photograph reproduced with kind permission of the Liverpool Daily Post)

The funeral service for Kevin, attended by over 700 mourners, was held at Claremount Methodist Church, Claremount Road, Wallasey, at 12:30 pm on Friday 22nd August 2003, being followed by burial at Frankby Cemetery and afterwards at Wallasey Cricket Club.

Viv, Emma and Amy wish to pass on our heartfelt gratitude for all the wonderful tributes posted on this very special website by Kevin's many friends and acquaintances.

We are unable to come to terms with the fact that we will never see his smiling handsome face again or feel his arms around us to give us a hug when we need it, or to make us laugh every day just by being himself.

He was the most loving and caring husband and father for whom absolutely nothing was too much trouble, and who loved and lived life to the full.

A huge thank you goes out to all our friends who are sharing our grief for your love and support it is truly appreciated by all Kevin's family.

Thank you again

All our love
Viv, Emma and Amy x
13th September 2003

We went on holiday on 15th August and only returned yesterday, 30th, to hear the news.

Kevin McCullagh was a great man in every sense of the word. "You don't know what you've got 'til it's gone."

May he rest in peace.

John (JD), Libby, Philip and Kate Duffy
31st August 2003

I first played against Kevin in 1982, and 20 years later umpired a 2nd XI Cup match in which he was behind the 'sticks' for Wallasey.

He was the Competition's best 'keeper when I played against him, and despite the passage of 20 years he appeared to have lost none of his prowess: standing up to everyone, whipping off the bails at every opportunity, appealing loudly, accepting the umpires response of "Not Out", and getting on with the game.

How could I have envisaged then, that just a year later, I would be leading a two minutes silence in his memory before a 2nd XI match at St Helens Recs?

He will be sadly missed by all, not least by the Fleetwood Hesketh 2nd XI players who were privileged last year to share the field with such an outstanding cricketer.

The thoughts of everyone at this club are with his family.

Peter Walker (Secretary - Fleetwood Hesketh CC)
27th August 2003

I worked with Kevin as secretary of Wallasey for ten years up until his death. I can honestly say that I have never enjoyed a working relationship, either professionally or recreationally, so much. He was a pleasure to work with, supportive and helpful in everything we tried to achieve. The gap left by his passing will be immensely difficult to fill, but we will carry on trying to progress in the manner Kevin would have wished. It will take huge efforts by our Management Committee, but the standards he set us, and the will to succeed, will be maintained.

Service of thanksgiving for Kevin - a fitting and moving tribute to a great man, sadly missed never forgotten.

May we extend our deepest sympathies to all of Kevin's family. He was one of the greatest cricketers we ever had the privilege to know.

Kev, it was an honour to have played cricket with you and a pleasure to have known you personally. You were a great man on and off the pitch and I for one will never forget the impact you had on me.

As newcomers to the Competition, we do not have as many memories as others of Kevin. Those that we do have are of Kevin as the embodiment of all that is good in the game; skilful, competitive yet friendly and welcoming after the game.

I am so sorry to see the news about Kevin McCullagh. I remember him from our match last year, he was very vociferous in his appealing and he let the umpire know that he should put the finger up. But he enjoyed the game and, as you say, he was friendly in the bar after the game. Please convey my condolences to his family and the Wallasey players.

I first meet Kevin four seasons ago and found him to be a tough cricketer but the first in the bar to thank the umpires for their efforts, he will be sadly missed.

I was shocked when I read that an old oppo, who I played against several times, had died so tragically.

Kevin was many things that I admired, competitive, determined with a dry sense of humour - best wishes to his family and all at Wallasey CC.

From all at Hightown CC, our condolences to Kevin's family and the players at Wallasey at this sad time.

Kevin was a proper cricketer, competitive during the match, sociable afterwards and very good.

My I add my own tribute to the man who was a model for all of us who thought we could keep wicket . . . until we played against Kevin.

I first played against him for the Rabbits in the early seventies and he always remembered those days of happy carefree Sunday cricket and the fun we all had afterwards. Only five days before his tragic death, he was keeping wicket at Sefton on a rain affected pitch standing up to everyone and stumping two batsmen.

As Kevin's guest at several Wallasey hot pot suppers, he was the most generous of hosts and the best of companions. He was a true legend of the Competition and will never be forgotten. The Competition is diminished by his passing, but most of us will remember him firstly as a good and kind friend who can never be replaced.

On behalf of Wallasey Cricket Club, I would like to thank everyone for their kind words following the tragic death of Kevin last Friday evening. I would especially like to thank the players and members of New Brighton Cricket Club for the way they conducted themselves last week - they were a credit to themselves and their club.

There are no words that can really be found to describe the feeling of loss we have all suffered, but I can say that I would rather be going through the emotions being felt right now having known the man, than to not feel like this but to have never met him.

Kevin was a great cricketer and a good friend to so many people. Everyone seemed to enjoy his company wherever he went. He was a fantastic ambassador for Wallasey Cricket Club and our recent successes are as a direct result of the tireless commitment he gave to the club both on and off the pitch.

I, along with many others, will miss both playing cricket and socialising with 'The Great Man' but in time we will all find comfort in reminiscing about the great laughs we shared with him.

Goodbye to one of the true legends of Liverpool Competition Cricket, you will never be forgotten.

On behalf of the players and members at Highfield Cricket Club, may I extend our deepest sympathy to Kevin's family, friends and all at Wallasey Cricket Club.

As relative newcomers to the league, our players had not had the opportunity to meet Kevin on the field but many of us were aware of his unrivalled reputation as both a fine cricketer and as a gentleman.

What we at Highfield do remember was a very kind letter received from Kevin, just after the sudden death of one of our own members, Eric Woods, offering his and Wallasey's condolences.

Whilst this probably represents just one relatively minor example of the thoughtfulness of Kevin, we wanted his family, friends and all at Wallasey CC to know that his kindness left a mark on many at Highfield.

Harold Gaskell (Chairman - Highfield CC)
20th August 2003

Kevin's passing is a tragic event and a great loss to his family, friends, Wallasey Cricket Club and cricket generally. His contribution to all was enormous. He was unique. I remember him when he was a very young player, always seeking to be better and was not surprised that he obtained such great success on and off the field gathering friends and admirers all the way.

All our thoughts are with Kevin's family and all at Wallasey CC.

He was a great man, a true gent.

Alan, Gill, Malcolm and Ben Swift
20th August 2003

Please pass on my deepest sympathies to Viv, Emma, Amy and all at Wallasey CC.

Having been brought up at Wallasey in the 90s, Kevin's influence on myself was immense. I'm sure today's playing members will agree his influence can't be overstated enough. His approach to the game on and off the pitch was top class....committed and passionate about all aspects of cricket. Wallasey's continual improvement would I'm sure fill Kevin with pride and I wish the club all the best without the great man.

A true gent whose loss will be immense.

Deepest sympathy.

News of Kevin's death came as a shock as I have great memories of games against him.

The Anselmians games against Wallasey were always well contested and tremendous fun. Unfortunately, local cricket seems to have lost those type of 'friendly' games. I firmly believe those games helped put Wallasey cricket where it is now (through the bar profits mainly), and the flat cricket square thanks to a selection of Anselmians (not least Martyn Smith and myself) sleeping on it after one particular night.

The Club and his family will have had lots of messages I am sure, but please accept my condolences on behalf of those who played against Kevin in those memorable games. His hospitality epitomised the Club.

On behalf of the players, members and officials at Wigan Cricket Club, may I extend our deepest sympathy to Kevin's family, friends and all at Wallasey Cricket Club. Kevin epitomised the ultimate cricketer, talented, determined, competitive and sociable in the bar. A tragic loss, felt by all.

People come and go in your life, some you remember, some you forget. Those fortunate enough to have met Kevin will all agree that he was a true gentlemen, one who immediately made a lasting impression on you. Goodbye 'Macca', the place won't be the same without you.

Nikolas Heyes (Wallasey CC)
20th August 2003

Everyone at Neston is deeply saddened by the news. Just imagine what the game of cricket would be like if everyone aspired to the same high standards that Kevin set.

Our condolences go out to his family and to all at Wallasey Cricket Club.

Dave Collyer (Neston CC)
19th August 2003

I'm absolutely devastated by the news. I changed next to 'Macca' for 12 years and he was, without doubt, a true gent. A man with great wit, ability and integrity, Kevin's loss will be unmeasurable to Wallasey CC, the Comp but most importantly to Viv, Amy, Emma and Anton, to whom I send my deepest sympathies.

It is a tragedy that the Liverpool Cricket Competition has lost such a player, competitor and ambassador to the game. The only bigger tragedy will be that the youth of today and tomorrow will not witness such a role model personified.

Kevin McCullagh - I am devastated at the loss and was privileged to be one of his closest friends for over 25 years.

I have expressed my personal sympathies to all the family. There is so much I would wish to say and recall about Kev but leave space for all the many other tributes.

On behalf of all at Colwyn Bay Cricket Club, may I express our thoughts and sincere condolences to Kevin's family and all at Wallasey Cricket Club.

Having known Kevin well before our Competition days, it is fair to say that he was a hard cricketer on the pitch, but a gentleman off it.

From all at Formby CC, heartfelt condolences to Kevin's family, and colleagues at Wallasey. A great 'keeper and a formidably competitive opponent. Sadly missed.

I was deeply saddened to hear of the tragic event of Friday evening. My condolences and deepest sympathies to Kevin's wife and daughters and also the members of Wallasey Cricket Club at this difficult time.

Kevin was an inspiration to us all. A competitor on the field of play and a great man off it.

He was a father figure to many people at Wallasey and he will be sorely missed by all.

My prayers and thoughts go out to his family and friends.

Rest in Peace 'Macca'.

John Pugh (Wallasey CC)
19th August 2003

On behalf of everyone at Ormskirk Cricket Club, I would like to pass on our sincere condolences and sympathy to Kevin's family and all at Wallasey Cricket Club.

Kevin was a supreme competitive sportsman on the field and a true gentleman off the field, his sad loss will be sorely felt throughout the Liverpool Competition and beyond.

He will be sadly missed.

Tim Dickinson (Chairman - Ormskirk CC)
19th August 2003

What a tragic loss to all in the Liverpool Competition and Wallasey Cricket Club in particular. I first umpired Kevin in 1979 and without doubt he was the best behind the stumps that I have ever seen. Every time we met the greetings were always the same "Good to see you Jones, Umpire" "Great to be here, backstop". We disagreed on the field but he was always the first to shake your hand at the end of the game and offer a drink in the bar.

Wallasey matches will never be the same again and we will have to put the bails back on ourselves.

Kevin McCullagh - a good man, a fine cricketer, a tragic loss. Thoughts and prayers to family and friends and all at Wallasey.

On behalf of everyone at Northop Hall Cricket Club, please pass on our deepest sympathy to Kevin's family and all at Wallasey Cricket Club. A cricketer and a gentleman who will be sadly missed within the game we love.

Without doubt the best wicket keeper seen in the Competition in my time and a guy it was always a delight to have a pint with after the game, as his views on all topics were always worth hearing.

My condolences go to all his family and all at Wallasey CC. He will be sadly missed.

Mike Bishop (Northern CC)
18th August 2003

Please pass on our condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of Kevin McCullagh.

Although we are relatively 'new kids on the block' we shall remember him as competitive on the field and a gentleman off the field.

John Appleton (Newton le Willows CC)
18th August 2003

For a decidedly average wicket keeper, it was always a pleasure to witness Kevin's ability - if not always his advice whilst batting! He was for many years the keeper that I wanted to emulate and to try to be compared to. A difficult task.

Off the pitch - a gentlemen who was always happy to share advice for the "keepers' club" and latterly about captaincy.

One of the greatest and most sincere gentlemen I have ever had the pleasure to know. Will be sadly missed by all and sympathy goes to Viv, Emma and Amy from myself and I'm sure all who play cricket down the road from Wallasey at Parkfield CC.

Eddie McCulloch (Parkfield CC)
18th August 2003

My deepest sympathy to Kevin's family and all at Wallasey. Kevin was truly the finest league keeper I have ever seen and one of the kindest men.

I will always remember the advice he has given me over the time I have known him. Not just with his sharp insights on the game itself but also the wisdom that he has imparted to me since I became the League Chairman.

To all at Wallasey CC. Our thoughts are with you at this time. Please pass on our condolences to Kevin's family & his many friends.

Our thoughts and well wishes, on behalf of Kevin's many friends at Northern over many years. A great bloke who will be sadly missed.

John Watts (President - Northern CC)
18th August 2003

Unexpected and sudden death is always a shock but much worse when it is someone you know well. Not only was Kevin such a fine cricketer but he gave back so much to the game he loved.

As Chairman of Wallasey he was a wonderful ambassador to the club and it was only a week ago that he was at Sefton Park in the KO, and even during the game he took the trouble to seek me out for a private chat. I watched his wicket keeping that day and marvelled at it on an almost unplayable wicket after a thunderstorm - is there still any better keeper than Kevin?

Many of our members rang me over the weekend to express their shock and grief. It is no consolation, but what an outstanding tribute that reaction is to a truly unique individual. Sefton Park players, committee and members send their respects and support to Kevin's family and all of his friends at Wallasey. We, too will miss him. RIP.

Mike Poole (Chairman - Sefton Park CC)
18th August 2003

Cricketers throughout Merseyside and much further afield have been stunned by the death of Kevin McCullagh, one of the district's best known players, after he collapsed during a knockout semi-final on 15th August.

Wallasey's chairman and captain for seven years in two spells, Kevin was one of the finest wicket keepers in the Liverpool and District Cricket Competition, his career stretching back more than 30 years. Only a year ago, at the age of 53, he turned in his best match figures when he caught four batsman and stumped three others.

Capped by Cheshire in 1980 and an important member of the Competition's representative team for many years, he might well have made his mark in the first class game but for misfortune.

Given a trial by Middlesex in 1978 when they were seeking a wicket keeper, he was injured in a second eleven match against Hampshire and missed a second opportunity to show his skill.

On behalf of everyone at Leigh Cricket Club may I express our deepest sympathies to Kevin�s family and all at Wallasey CC. In our relatively short time in the Competition, we have always found him to be not only a great competitor and adversary on the field, but a perfect gentleman off.

I was really shocked to hear of Kevin's death. He was an absolutely superb keeper and the best I've played against having played for Leigh for three seasons and also in the Hertfordshire League.

As a keeper myself, Kevin certainly set the highest standards for us all to follow.

With sympathy,

John Sodhi
17th August 2003

Sincere condolences to Viv and daughters Amy and Emma. Kevin will be greatly missed on the cricket field.

Regards from Sue and Les Pye, who watch and enjoy Wallasey's cricket.
17th August 2003

My sympathies and that of all my colleagues from the Merseyside Cricket Umpires Association go out to Kevin's family at home and at Wallasey Cricket Club.

A tremendously talented wicket keeper and fierce competitor on the field of play, Kevin was the first to greet you when coming from the field and shake your hand win or lose. He was always willing to talk about the game and took a great interest in my own umpiring career.

Wallasey Cricket Club and the Liverpool Competition have lost a tremendous cricketer, sportsman and friend.

The Competition has lost one of its greatest players and, in many people's view, the best post war wicket keeper.

At a tragic time like this, our thoughts are with his family and Wallasey Cricket Club. He will be sadly missed and as a cricketer will be irreplaceable.

All the players and members of Sefton Park Cricket Club, past and present, will always remember the fantastic cricketer that Kevin was. We also thank him for the work that he did during his time whilst a member of the league's Management Committee.

Kevin was widely regarded as one of the great wicket keepers of modern day club cricket. In the twenty two years I knew him, he stood out as one of the best. His fitness and physique was as required by the demands of the game and was apparent as he was still playing in the first eleven at the time of his death.

Immaculately turned out in each game, shirt fastened at the neck, he took a pride in participating in the sport he loved and was willing to past on his knowledge and experiences to others, young and old alike.

Beginning as a youngster at New Brighton, and with the exception of a four year spell (1989-1992) at Bootle, Kevin played all his senior cricket at Wallasey. He played 15 times for Cheshire between 1979 and 1982, being capped in 1980. He also captained and kept wicket for the Liverpool Competition Representative XI.

He shared his funny side on the field. Once, whilst umpiring a match against the Merseyside Competition at Irby in 1986, the opposition had batted for 85 overs when Kevin, walking to the other end at the completion of an over, shouted over to me as I walking in from square leg 'Can we have a new ball now, please, Umps?' I duly took one out of my pocket and tossed it too him, thinking he was being serious.

Kevin had been a goalkeeper but missed the 1975 cricket season with a broken leg, an injury sustained during the winter.

He had trials with Middlesex in 1978 when they were seeking a wicket keeper. He was injured in a second eleven game against Hampshire and missed a second chance, being replaced by Paul Downton, who had just joined them from Kent.

Kevin was a keen competitor on the field and a great character in the bar after the game. I will miss him.

Condolences to Viv, Amy and Emma, Anton and the McCullagh family as well as to Wallasey Cricket Club.

Phil Lovgreen (Webmaster)
17th August 2003

Please pass on my deepest sympathy to Kevin's family. It has come as a total shock to hear such tragic news. Kevin will always be remembered as one of the games great competitors.

Kevin, you were the best mentor a young wicket keeper could have had. I will never forget the time that you gave me as a youngster. The memories of the lessons you taught me are still fresh in my mind and will always remain so. You are the best wicketkeeper I have ever seen, and I send my deepest sympathy to your family and all at Wallasey. Thank you for everything you have done for me Kevin.
Sympathies to your family,

My deepest and most heartfelt sympathies to Kevin's family and all at Wallasey Cricket Club. His loss will be felt right throughout the Comp. The best wicketkeeper ever to grace our league. We'll all miss him.

My deepest sympathies to Kevin's family and Wallasey Cricket Club. A tragic loss. He was a legend and will be sadly missed. Truly a great man. Our prayers are with Kevin's family. God bless, MY FRIEND.

Deepest sympathies to Kevin's family and all at Wallasey CC after their tragic loss.

Deepest sympathy to all Kevin's family and all at Wallasey CC. Our thoughts are with you all at this very sad time.

This is the saddest day of the Comp. We have not only lost the best wicketkeeper this league has had but we have lost one of the great men this game has ever seen. Anyone who knew Kevin will agree that his name will live on as a legend and I personally will remember him as 'The Greatest' and a man who influenced everyone he met. We'll all miss you 'Macca'.

What can I say? Wonderful man, great player. I'm sorry I cannot say any more. We have lost one of the best people in cricket. Our thoughts are with Kevin's family.