Clubs come together to honour late historian
PLAYERS in the Geelong Cricket Association will wear black armbands this weekend as a mark of respect for historian Kevin O’Dowd.
GCA president Rob Vines confirmed the association would request that clubs honour O’Dowd, who dedicated more than 30 years of service as a statistician and historian amid more than half a century in the game.
“He will be greatly missed,” a saddened Vines said after learning of O’Dowd’s passing.
“He was much loved, much admired and much respected by everybody in GCA cricket.
“We are arranging for players of all clubs to wear black armbands this weekend in a tribute to Kevin.
“We will tell the Kevin O’Dowd story as much as we can over the weekend and in the coming weeks.
“It’s a very sad day for Geelong cricket, but we remember his incredible contribution as a dedicated historian and statistician. He was a wonderful friend and contributor to so many people and his abiding interest in local cricket will never be forgotten.”
Vines, in his first season as president of the GCA, said O’Dowd had been a valued contributor of the association for more than three decades.
“He produced a 20-year-old cricket almanac, which has been a work in progress, and his passion for cricket history and cricket stats was phenomenal,” Vines said.
“He just knew everything about every player. His contribution in that way has been above and beyond what would happen for most cricket associations because he had such a love for the game and its history.
“We’ve been incredibly fortunate to have someone like him provide us that service for more than 30 years.
“He regularly produced his O’Dowd Declares during the season, he reminded us all about the history of Geelong cricket and the legendary players of the GCA.
“It’s been an invaluable and incredible service that he’s given Geelong cricket.”