KC cricket coach passes

Photo: Roy McLean

Legendary schoolboy cricket coach Roy McLean passed away on Wednesday July 23rd, plunging the Kingston College family into mourning.

“Mac-Dirty”, as he was affectionately known, represented Kingston College and Jamaica at both cricket and football. At times, he also served as cricket and football coach at the school.

Roy Mac was instrumental in the creation and development of the cricket nursery at KC, which helped to lay the platform for ‘Purples’ success in cricket over the years.

McLean coached the likes of Robert and Marlon Samuels, Mark Neita, Robert Haynes, Derron Dixon along with the President of the West Indies Cricket Board, Dave Cameron who is also a past student of the North Street based institution.

“He was someone who taught us life through cricket. He made sure we understood that to get better at what we do, required focused practice on the basics,” Cameron said.

Patrick Dallas, President of the Kingston College Old Boys Association said, “We extend our condolences to the immediate family of Roy McLean. We of his Fortis family know how privileged we are to have known him and shared time and space with him.

“Great innings Mac-Dirty! We know you will rest in peace now you are back in the pavilion. Fortis forever.”

A sentiment expressed by Antonio Bell, son of former Jamaican national footballer Howard “Juicy” Bell reads, “What I respect about this coach is that he could coach across disciplines…maximum respect Sir Mac, maximum respect.”

Oneil Samms who also played for McLean at Kingston College said, “Walk good Roy McLean! A million thanks for the many lessons learnt and for your contribution towards the development of Cricket in Jamaica.Many of your charges went on to represent Jamaica and The West Indies at the youth and senior level.”

The tributes continue to pour in on social media as those whose life he touched and those who benefited from direct or indirect contact with “Mac Dirty” express their sadness at his passing while hailing the impact he made during his lifetime.