Tribute to Derek Dooley, MBE

On Wednesday 5 March 2008 we were saddened to learn of the death of Derek Dooley following a long illness. Derek will always be remembered for his association with both Sheffield United and Sheffield Wednesday Football Clubs but we, in the Sheffield Cricket League, had great admiration for Derek in his love for cricket. Although not a player, he was associated with one of our former clubs, Norton Woodseats, and you would often see him in Graves Park watching a game.

Derek was a Vice President of the League for many years and attended our Annual Dinner and Presentation on numerous occasions. Those who were fortunate to have made Derek’s acquaintance will know that he was humble, dignified, genuine and generous, and always preferred to sit with his club rather than on the Top Table. When I was League Administrator I can recall Derek coming down from his office to the banqueting suite at Bramall Lane in the afternoon prior to the Dinner to ensure that everything was in order and to help me set out the various trophies [in those days we had 10 divisions and therefore a large number of trophies to display].

It was indicative of the affection all members of the community had for Derek in the turnout at his funeral service at Sheffield Cathedral on 14 March.

John Crabtree
President