‘Gentleman’ cricketer played against greats
Tributes to ‘local legend’ involved in the sport for decades
TRIBUTES have been paid to a Wythenshawe cricketing ‘great’ whose career spanned several decades.
Peter McCartney passed away at a care home in South Manchester last weekend, aged 87.
He had been staying at the home since March after being diagnosed with dementia.
The sportsman had played, coached, and been chairman of Wythenshawe Cricket Club from the 1950s until the 1980s.
During his career, Peter came up against cricketing legends Brian Statham, who played for England and Lancashire, and West Indies’ player, Garfield Sobers.
His team-mates and colleagues described Peter as a ‘true gentleman’ and ‘wonderful sportsman,’ as they celebrated his life.
Peter lived in Sharston for most of his life, and leaves behind his wife Beryl and two children, son, Neil and daughter, Karen.
Current club chairman Mike Dean told the M.E.N.: “I met Peter when I was 16 – that was in the mid-1970s and he had been playing since the 1950s.
“He was a tough character and over the years he played at Wythenshawe against the West Indies’ Garfield Sobers and also played against one of the alltime British greats of bowling, Brian Statham.
“I’ve received so many comments from people who were taught by Peter, telling me what a great man and coach he was.
“He was a lovely guy. When I first joined the team I got to know him well and he was a strong example to follow playing cricket.
“Peter had a lot of determination and would never back down from a game. He was a great, resilient batsman.” Peter lived with his beloved wife Beryl at their home in Sharston until March this year, when he had to be moved to a home after being diagnosed with dementia.
A number of long-standing players from the Northenden club paid tribute to a ‘great man,’ following the news of Peter’s death.
Jim Wis said: “Very sad, lovely man who always had time for you although took no messing! “He was an excellent coach and I heard a great player in his day. Condolences to his family.” Richard Robinson wrote: “My first coach at cricket, was hard and fair.
“Great man and loved spending time for a chat RIP Peter, thank you for everything.”
Ed Tierney said: “Such sad, sad news. I know I also speak for my brother George in saying Peter was a true gentleman and wonderful sportsman.”
He was a lovely guy... he was a strong example to follow playing cricket
Wythenshawe CC chairman Mike Dean