There was sad news overnight with the death of Paul Reynolds at the age of 50.

Paul fulfilled a variety of roles within Leinster and Irish cricket, and earlier this year was honoured for his volunteer work at the Cricket Ireland Awards, having been named Official of the Year in 2016.

Born In England, Paul moved to Dublin in 1995 where he played for Leinster CC at Rathmines.

He would go on to find his niche as an accomplished administrator, umpire, and statistician. 

He rose through the umpiring ranks becoming one of the four umpires employed by Cricket Ireland and in 2018 was appointed to the ICC Umpires and Officials panel.

He was an offical in 50 ODI's and T20I's, with his last being just seven weeks ago in Dublin as Ireland played India.

Along with umpiring at international level, Paul held numerous voluntary cricket administration roles with Cricket Leinster.

"Paul leaves behind a huge legacy in cricket in Ireland and in Leinster in particular," said Cricket Leinster General Manager Philip Smith.

"His dedication to the game never wavered during his illness and the vast majority of people wouldn’t even have been aware that he was unwell for so long. It is a testament to his character and fortitude that he continued to serve the game, as both an administrator and an umpire, until shortly before his passing.

"Whilst Paul’s contribution is beyond measure, he will be best remembered as a great friend to so many, a listening ear to all and as a fair, decent, kind and engaging human being. Paul lived by a set of values that embodied equity and inclusion and leaves a brilliant legacy for all to follow.

"Our deepest sympathies to his beloved Jen, his boys (Lestyn, Rhys and Ieuan) and his wide circle of friends right across the cricket community in Ireland and beyond."

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.