Mark Hawthorne steps down from international umpiring after 23 years
Home
Image Courtsey - Cricket Ireland Website
Mark Hawthorne has brought the curtain down on a remarkable 23-year career in international umpiring. The 63-year-old has been a familiar figure on the global stage since 2002, preceding over 300 international matches across all levels.
Hawthorne’s first official senior international match came in 2011, when he stood in an ODI between Ireland and Pakistan. A series of high-profile appointments followed, including officiating at several ICC events and serving as TV Umpire in Ireland’s first-ever Test against Pakistan in 2018 at Malahide, as well as the Test against Zimbabwe in 2024.
He capped off his career by officiating in the historic first bilateral Men's T20 series between England and Ireland
Hawthrone was a trailblazer in many ways, apart from officiating in Ireland's debut Test, in 2019 Hawthorne also became the first Irish umpire to participate in an international exchange programme, travelling to the Caribbean to enhance his experience.
Umpiring took Hawthorne all over the world, yet it only felt right for him to end his time as an ICC umpire in his home country after a major series against England.
He told Cricket Ireland “As I approached the players and coaches for the customary handshakes at the end of the match, I did think to myself how fortunate I was to have umpired international cricket for 23 years. To end my ICC international career by umpiring Ireland v England was very special, and I am grateful to all those who made that possible.”
Hawthorne will continue his involvement with umpiring as he holds the role of Umpires Observations Manager at Cricket Ireland. He will also continue to tutor the next generation of umpires.
Brian MacNeice, Chair of Cricket Ireland spoke at a presentation after the match on Sunday, where he said:
“Mark has been involved in international cricket since 2002, but his involvement hasn’t just been standing in matches. Mark has for many years, contributed to the coaching and mentoring of umpires countrywide, giving generously of his time and talent. We are confident you will continue to play a vital role in this area and we recognise that your patience, positivity and many quiet words have helped develop many professional and enthusiastic umpires over the years.”
There is plenty of excitement about Hawthorne's next innings as his passion for cricket and ability to inspire continues to be etched in Irish Cricket history.
