Templepatrick CC’s President Arthur Bownron has received the Jim McMorran Award for Voluntary services to Cricket. This award recognises those individuals who have made outstanding contributions to cricket over a significant time, demonstrating exceptional commitment to the game; demonstrates leadership, inspires other volunteers and goes beyond the call of duty to benefit the sport; continually exceeding expectations in their role as a volunteer and undertakes a variety of roles and tasks in the running of a club.

Arthur has dedicated over four decades to promoting cricket through Templepatrick CC. A founder member of the club in 1969, he ensured the fledgling club, with one team of gather-ups, survived and ultimately thrived & is a constant driving force in its continued expansion.
His enthusiasm has seen him represent the club as player, committee member, groundsman, secretary, treasurer & President & every other role possible. Over the past 23 years he has been club President, but he is not merely a figurehead. He works tirelessly for Templepatrick CC & for the promotion of cricket & in every aspect of running the club, preparing wickets, making teas, providing transport for youth & putting quality club structures in place.
He is a key member in club development and is among a small group of officials who have driven the club forward using a series of development plans.
Arthur was instrumental in ensuring the club moved into competitive cricket by joining the NCU in 1976. He oversaw the growth of the club, with the addition of more teams, the move to a new home in Ballyclare, & the development of a youth coaching system alongside Cricket Development Officer, Andy McCrea.
Recently, Arthur has overseen major ground improvement projects, securing £135,000 investment in our practice area & upgrade the square and outfield.
His dedication to sport in Newtownabbey was recognised by Newtownabbey Council in 2007 when he was presented with a Services to Sport Award. In 2011 Templepatrick CC received Clubmark Accreditation from Cricket Ireland for its quality structures. Arthur has played a large part in this achievement.
Arthur has gone above & beyond his duties as a volunteer. His enthusiasm & dedication to cricket is inspirational. He is not only a great role model & ambassador for Templepatrick CC, Arthur is a true gentleman, totally unassuming & someone of whom everyone at Templepatrick CC is immensely proud.
Surely a very worthy winner.