Mick Hunt: Lord's Groundsman's Legacy

0:00That's your update from Europe News Today, powered by AI. I'm Cory with the story. Mick Hunt, the cricket groundsman who turned Lord's pitch into pure perfection, passed away on March 5th, 2026 at 73. For almost 50 years, from 1969 to his retirement in 2018, he crafted wickets for over 80 international matches, tests, games, and one-dayers. Starting as a floor sweeper, he rose to head groundsman by 1985, making the outfield a stage for legends. Born in St. John's Wood in 1952, son of a telephone engineer and a devoted mom, Mick brought technical smarts and a playful edge to his, craft. He tested new fertilizers by tasting them for nitrogen talk about hands-on and once honored a fan's wish by scattering ashes from New Zealand right on. The Lord's Wicket, his heart beats strong for Ireland, especially south of Ma, where he vacation, cheered cross-magland rangers football, and coach school pitches like St.

1:01Joseph's in Donnamor. Locals loved his mix of expertise and mischief, from New Year's Eve hurling antics on pristine turf to endless advice for players and kids alike. Friends and stars packed his funeral, including England and Australia cricket captains, Arsenal women's skipper, and Ireland women's team. Later arranged to his son, Kiran, who works with Arsenal pros, tributes poured in from cross-magland, led by ex-All Ireland manager Joe Kernan, showing the bonds he built everywhere. Mick leaves his wife Rose, a nurse from cross-magland, daughters Kiran and Joanne, and sons Kiran and Paul. Beyond flawless pitches, he gifted humor, generosity, and humanity to cricket and communities on both sides of the Irish Sea.