There was sad news on Thursday with the death of legendary Donemana wicket-keeper Ivor Dougherty.

'Doc' as he was affectionately known was the heartbeat of the all-conquering Donemana team for 30 years, taking over the gloves from Ivor Parkhill at the age of 21 in 1964 after spells with Glendermott and Creevedonnell.

A hard-hitting batsman he achieved his highest senior score of 149 against Limavady, while his best display behind the stumps came in the semi-final of the senior cup against Ardmore in 1966 when he had seven dismissals (5 catches, 2 stumpings) but ended up on the losing side by four runs.

It was to be a rare loss for 'Doc' who would claim 11 NW Senior Cup winning medals, as well as an incredible 19 Senior One League medals.

Indeed, he bowed out in style when in his final game in 1993 at the age of 50, he clinched the title with a two-run win over nearest challengers Strabane.

He was perhaps unfortunate that his career coincided with that of the legendary Irish keeper Ossie Colhoun ruling out any chance of Irish honours, but Ivor did play on 20 occasions for the North West at representative level between 1967 and 1984.

Former NW Chairman and Cricket Ireland President Joe Doherty paid tribute saying:

"Another North West legend has raised his bat and went up the brae.

"I played with and against Ivor, and in more recent times watched matches in his company. It was always a pleasure and always the same Ivor - what a man!"

The condolences of all at CricketEurope and the North West cricketing fraternity to his family circle.