Irving Shillingford

Irving Shillingford was a gifted Dominica cricket player who etched his name into West Indies cricket history with a brief but brilliant Test career. Born on April 18, 1944, in the village of Dublanc, he was part of the renowned Shillingford cricket family—Grayson, Irving, and Shane Shillingford: Dominica Cricket Dynasty—which produced three test cricketers from the same village. Known for his powerful batting and calm demeanor at the crease, Irving played during an era when the West Indies team was stacked with legends, making his brief appearance all the more impressive. He passed away on January 26, 2023, at the age of 78.

Irving Shillingford’s Early Life and Domestic Rise

Growing up in Dublanc, a fishing village on Dominica’s northwest coast, attended the Dominica Grammar School in Roseau, where he began to showcase his cricketing talent. . His natural talent was evident early, and he made his first-class debut at just 16 years old, representing the Windward Islands. He would go on to play for both the Windward and Combined Islands during a career that spanned over two decades.

In regional cricket, Irving was known for his consistent run-scoring and elegant batting style. His career-best performances included multiple centuries and vital innings that anchored his team’s success in Shell Shield competitions. Over 92 first-class matches, he scored 5,449 runs at an average of 35.41, including 11 centuries and 28 fifties, proving his calibre as one of the finest Caribbean batsmen of his generation.

Test Career and International Achievement

Irving Shillingford’s opportunity at the highest level came late in his career. He made his Test debut on March 10, 1977, at the age of 32, against Pakistan in Port of Spain, Trinidad. In only his second Test match, he made a major impact by scoring a composed and classy 120 runs, becoming the first Dominican to score a Test century.

Though he played just 4 Test matches, his 219 total runs, including that unforgettable century, left a lasting legacy. His presence in the West Indies side was brief largely due to the intense competition for spots during an era dominated by batting greats like Viv Richards, Clive Lloyd, and Gordon Greenidge.

Legacy and Influence

Despite a short international career, Irving’s contribution to cricket in Dominica and the Windward Islands was monumental. He was a mentor to many young players and played a central role in strengthening cricket at the community level. His success inspired countless aspiring cricketers from Dominica, proving that players from small islands could reach the world stage.

Throughout his career, Irving held several significant positions within the cricketing community:

• Team Captain: He captained the Dominica National Team, the Windward Islands Team, and the Combined Islands Team.
• Club Leadership: Shillingford played a leading role in various sports clubs, including the Spartans Sports Club and the Cavaliers Sports Club.
• Dominica Cricket Association: He served on the Dominica Cricket Association, contributing to the development and organization of cricket in the region.
• Youth and Sports Officer: Shillingford worked as a Youth Officer and Sports Officer, roles in which he imparted knowledge and skills to young people across the island.
• Manager and Coach: After his professional cricket career ended, he served as manager and coach of the West Indies Under-19 team and as a selector and coach of the Windward Islands team.

Personal Life and Passing

Irving Shillingford passed away on January 26, 2009, at the age of 64. His funeral was attended by figures from across Dominica’s sporting and political community, a reflection of the deep respect he commanded both on and off the field.

His life continues to be celebrated in Dominica as part of the island’s cricketing heritage, and his performances remain part of the proud narrative of Dominican contributions to West Indies cricket.