Vice-President, cricketer and ace soccer striker Harry McIlvenny dies
Yorkshire Vice-President Harry McIlvenny - who remembers this cigarette-card image of his football hey-day with Bradford Park Avenue? - has died aged 86.
Harry, who gave stalwart service on the Club’s General Committee, lived in Burley-in-Wharfedale.
He kept wicket with the powerful Bradford side of the 1950s, when his teammates included Yorkshire Honorary Life Member and fast bowler Bob Platt, and the likes of Philip Sharpe, Brian Bolus, Jackie Birkenshaw and Mel Ryan.
He was an outstanding footballer who represented England Amateurs five times. He played as an amateur centre forward for Bradford Park Avenue from 1946 to 1950 - turning out in 60 League and Cup matches, and scoring 17 League goals and one in the Cup before being transferred to Bishop Auckland.
Harry, left, made his debut for Bradford Park Avenue against Burnley at Turf Moor in the 1946-47 season, and in the following week on his home debut he scored in Bradford's 2-1 win over Spurs.
In 1948 Harry scored in five consecutive matches - and the following year he played in Avenue’s famous FA Cup win by 2-0 at Newcastle United, scoring one goal and making the other before breaking a leg in the Fourth Round tie with Manchester United.
His father was also a notable soccer player, making 132 appearances for Bradford City from 1911 to 1922 and then 16 for Blackpool in 1922-23.
Harry was elected to the Yorkshire Committee as a Wharfedale representative in the Club’s centenary year of 1963, and served on several subcommittees, including cricket. He retired in 1982, and was made a Vice-President.
Former Yorkshire cricket chairman Bob Platt said: “Harry was a very good Bradford League wicket-keeper, and one of the most amusing men I ever knew. He could be pricelessly funny.
"He was an absolute gent, and was always cheerful whenever I met him.”
Harry leaves a widow, Margie, a daughter, Jane, and he was a much loved “gramps” to Jonathan and Nicholas. The funeral is private.