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Irish legend Dermott Monteith dies aged 66

Dermott Monteith, Ireland's all-time highest wicket-taker, has died at the age of 66.

Cricinfo staff
06-Dec-2009
Dermott Monteith, Ireland's all-time highest wicket-taker, has died at the age of 66.
In a remarkable career he played 76 times for Ireland, taking 326 wickets at 17.37, including 47 in five matches in 1971, with his left-arm spin. He took five wickets in an innings on 27 occasions, and seven times took 10 wickets in a match. His best figures came in 1973 when he took 13 wickets against The MCC at Lord's, including a 8 for 44 in the second innings as Ireland triumphed by seven wickets.
His playing career with Ireland spanned 19 years from his debut in 1965 at Lord's, until his last appearance in 1984 against Scotland. On both occasions he made an impact with the bat, rather than the ball, testament to his all-round ability. He scored 54 against the MCC on his debut, and made 95, his highest score, on his final appearance for his country. In total he made 1712 runs at 20.63 with nine half centuries and also captained Ireland 38 times.
Middlesex spotted Monteith's ability and he played for them during the 1981 and 1983 seasons, deputising for John Emburey and Phil Edmonds when they were on England duty. He played his first game for the county aged 38 and proved more than capable, taking 24 wickets in eight Championship appearances with a best of 5 for 60 against Essex.
After his playing career ended Monteith took up a leading position in the administration of Irish cricket and became a national selector. Roy Torrens, his former team-mate and the current Ireland manager, commended the confidence and skill that characterised Monteith's career.
"Dermott was in many ways ahead of his time. He was a trail-blazer in every way. He was an innovative captain, and had no fear of failure. He was always looking to make things happen, and was great to play alongside. He was quite simply a magnificent cricketer, and he was a pioneer in many ways, being one of the first Irishmen in the modern era to make a mark in county cricket.
"He was very highly regarded by his Middlesex colleagues, and on my travels with Ireland, I was often asked by Mike Brearley and John Emburey how he was doing.
"I probably got to know Dermott better when we both were retired and travelling around as national selectors. He was great to have as a friend, and was marvellous company. My thoughts and prayers are with his family circle at this sad time."
David Williams, the Cricket Ireland chairman, added his tribute saying: "I learned of the death of Dermott Monteith with great sadness. He was one of our very greatest players and a much valued colleague in the administration of cricket in Ireland when his playing days were over."