John Farrell Memorial Match

John Dermot Farrell (1928-2002)

The OPC Summer party and cricket match against an "Old England XI" was dedicated to the memory of John Farrell who died last year (1992) aged 74 and who fought cancer so bravely to the bitter end. John was second of three generations of Farrells who lived in Thames Ditton. His father helped purchase the ground now known as “Colets” and was one of the first captains of the Old Pauline Cricket Club. His son Jeremy is master in charge of cricket at Bedford School, and played for the Old Paulines against “Old England XI”. The Farrells have had a major influence over affairs at Colets spanning nearly a century and it is very fitting that this match gives the opportunity to reflect on John’s past achievements and his immense contribution to Old Pauline activities.

At school, during the war years, John was quickly recognised as a very talented sportsman. He played cricket for the 1st XI and became captain of the rugby before going on to National Service in Northern Ireland where he played rugby for Ulster. Returning to England, John represented Surrey at hooker and captained Old Pauline Rugby Club in the period when clubs such as Bedford and Moseley were still on the fixture list. At cricket he played for the OP 1st XI and gained a reputation as a stubborn bat and a very useful slip, subsequently captaining the 2nd XI in a playing career spanning three decades. There are very few Surrey grounds where John has not played and left his mark.

He leaves behind, his wife, Vivien – herself a tireless worker for Cancer Research UK – and hundreds of Old Paulines who remember his friendship, generosity and devotion to the club spanning over a half century. What a man!

Cancer Research UK is John’s chosen charity. It has vision of conquering cancer through world class research. As the largest volunteer-supported cancer research organisation in the world, it supports a dedicated team of 3,000 scientists with an annual spend of mor than £176 million. Cancer has to beaten!