Lucius Gwynn

Lucius Henry Gwynn (5 May 1873 in County Donegal, Ireland – 23 December 1902 in Davos-Platz, Switzerland^[1]) was an Irish rugby union player and cricketer. He was a right-handed batsman.^[1]

Playing career

Primarily noted for his bowling prowess during early outings with the Dublin University XI, Gwynn took 44 wickets at an average of 8.14 in Trinity's annus mirabilis of 1893, a season which witnessed victories over Leicestershire, Oxford University, Warwickshire (dismissed for a paltry total of 15 runs) and a draw against Essex.^[2]

Gwynn, who recorded the highest first class average (56.87) amongst those batsmen who completed ten innings or more during the English season of 1895,^[3] enjoyed another remarkably productive season in 1896, plundering over a thousand runs in Trinity flannels, a superlative effort complemented by a haul of 93 wickets at 9.37.^[2] Gwynn's irrepressible form reputedly earned him an invitation to represent England against Australia in the second Ashes Test at Old Trafford in July 1896. However, concurrent university examinations rendered Gwynn unable to participate.^[4] Instead, English cricket was introduced to the wizardry of K.S. Ranjitsinhji, who took Gwynn's place.^[2]

He made his debut for Ireland against I Zingari in July 1892 and went onto play for Ireland 13 times, his last game coming in May 1902 against the MCC.^[5] Two of his matches for Ireland had first-class status.^[6]

He also played first-class cricket in two Gentlemen v Players matches, representing the gentlemen, and four matches for Dublin University in 1895,^[6] for whom he made his top score of 153 not out^[7] against Leicestershire.^[8] In all, he amassed 3,195 runs and 311 wickets for Dublin University,^[4] in addition to 499 runs and 14 wickets for Ireland.^[5]

Rugby Union

Remarkably, Gwynn also represented Ireland seven times at rugby union, debuting against Scotland at Belfast in February 1893. He featured in all three legs of Ireland's 1894 Triple Crown-winning campaign.^[9]

Death

Lucius Gwynn was diagnosed with tuberculosis late in 1902. He finally succumbed to the disease on 23 December 1902, in the care of a Swiss sanatorium which had vainly attempted to restore him to health. He was 29 years old.^[10]

Family

Two of his brothers also represented Ireland at cricket (Arthur and Robert) as did his cousin Donough O'Brien. A third brother, John played first-class cricket in India, and his nephew John also played for Dublin University.^[1]

See also

• List of Irish cricket and rugby union players

References