At its AGM in February The Leinster Cricket Umpires & Scorers’ Association awarded Honorary Life Membership to Joe Connolly. It is extremely rare for Life Membership to be conferred on an umpire who is still actively officiating and the Association felt that Joe’s outstanding contribution to umpiring should be recognised.
Joe has been umpiring for at least thirty years — neither memory nor records can be any more definite. In the early years he was also the mainstay of Aer Lingus Cricket Club. In recent years he has umpired nearer 60 than 40 matches per year — a real boon to a series of Appointments Secretaries. At any reasonable estimate that represents at least 1500 matches in total. While Joe is the last of the old school who never sat any formal examinations, he has kept up his knowledge and continued to develop his skills through the years. In consequence he has refined his technique to a wonderful degree and is a great object lesson for any beginning umpire. The job gets done with the minimum of fuss; decisions are given and little or no heed is taken of the reaction of a frustrated bowler. But woe betide any player who breaches the bounds of proper behaviour. At this stage Joe quite rightly is not going to put up with any nonsense.
Here is a thought for any player in match in which Joe is standing: just make an estimate of the number of appeals in an innings. Then multiply that by 1500. That is approximately how many appeals Joe has heard and answered. He is unlikely to be swayed by a frivolous appeal now, so save your energy!
Finally, next time you’re at a match where Joe is standing, take a few minutes to observe — and admire. Congratulations, Joe. A great contribution to cricket!