It was with great sadness that we learned of the recent and sudden passing of our friend and colleague, Rev John Davey.
John who was born in April 1950, lived in Glenvale Street in the Woodvale district of Belfast and was the eldest of six children to Jim and Margaret Davey. His dad Jim worked in the office at the Ormeau bakery.
John attended Methodist College, where he first developed an interest in the church and studied classics – taking Greek at A level thinking it would be useful in his theological studies which he later pursued at Queens university.
At Methody his major sport was cricket. John played for the school and also for his local club, Woodvale CC. He later played for Queens and captained the Irish Universities team. After Queens, John played his cricket at Ormeau for North of Ireland CC from early 1970’s until 1980 when his ministry took him to Donegal to join the congregation of Raphoe and Ballindrait.
Through his Irish schools and Queens cricket days John had established links with Ian Rankin of St Johnston cricket club. It seemed only natural that he joined their ranks when he moved to Donegal where he was a valued member from 1980 to 1986. During this spell at St Johnston he was part of a successful team winning the North West Senior Cup in 1982 – John returning figures of 6 for 42 runs over two innings. He was also part of the team in 1984 that won the North West Senior league – the only time in the club’s history. One of John’s personal highlights during his time at St Johnston was travelling to Waringstown and winning after many previous unsuccessful attempts. His team mates still reflect fondly on his jubilation of this momentous occasion. Ian’s final thoughts about John’s time at St Johnston.
“John Davey was exactly what St Johnston needed at the time – a slow left arm bowler. He gave heart and soul every match he played and was a friend to all in the team.”
1986 saw John return to the Belfast area again to join the congregation at Hillsborough Presbyterian Church. Still a keen cricketer, John once again plied his sports skills at Ormeau. In his first season in 1987, he was part of the North of Ireland 2nd XI, captained by Mike Crooks, which were successful in claiming the league. In his final year at Ormeau, John was also part of a winning team when the NICC 2nd XI, led by Herbie Parkhill were league and Junior Cup winners in 1994. John remained close friends with several of the NICC members and regularly played golf with Mike Crooks, Peter Law, Wallace Graham and Paul Jackson. A few words from Mike Crooks.
“Great memories of the North Seconds Spin Twins, John Davey and Ted Cook, in a mature and successful side. Also of a highly competitive golfer in a Knock Golf “4 Ball” with Jacko, Lawman, Wally Graham and myself.”
In 1972 John married Ruth, whom he first met at Woodvale Presbyterian Church. They were blessed with three children, Kathryn, Chris and Gavin. John retired from Hillsborough in 2015 and unfortunately Ruth sadly passed away in 2016 after several years battling Alzheimer’s. John’s support for Ruth was unwavering during the 14 years of her illness.
John later found happiness in his life again, marrying Ann, clerk of session at Hillsborough Presbyterian Church. With this came new family relationships as he became step father to Edwin and Nevin.
We offer our sincere condolences on behalf of everyone at CSNICC and the former North of Ireland CC, on the passing of our friend and colleague, John Davey. Our thoughts are with Ann, Kathryn, Chris, Gavin, Edwin and Nevin, the rest of the family circle and John’s many friends throughout cricket, the church and the wider community.
Rest easy Vicar.
CSNICC 