Harry Read (sportsman)

Henry 'Harry' Marvelle Read (8 November 1888 – 6 December 1972) was an Irish first-class cricketer and rugby union international.

Born at Roscrea, Read was educated in Dublin at St Columba's College, before going up to Trinity College, Dublin in 1907.[1] While studying there, he played club cricket for Dublin University Cricket Club.[1] He toured North America with the Gentlemen of Ireland on their 1909 tour, playing minor matches against Ottawa, Ontario, All New York, Baltimore, and Philadelphia Colts.[1][2] He made his debut in first-class cricket on the tour, playing two matches against the Gentlemen of Philadelphia at Haverford and Philadelphia.[3] Three years later, he made his only first-class appearance for Ireland against Scotland at Dublin.[3]

While studying at Trinity, Read excelled in rugby union as a scrum-half. He was a member of the Dublin University Football Club, then one of the strongest rugby sides in Ireland.[1] He was capped for Ireland, earning his first Test cap against England in the 1910 Five Nations Championship at Twickenham.[4] Read earned twelve further Test caps for Ireland, playing his final international against Scotland at Inverleith in the 1913 Five Nations Championship.[5] He played alongside Dickie Lloyd during this period, with the pair being credited with inventing modern half-back play.[1]

Read served in the 2nd Regiment of Life Guards during World War I, ending the war with the rank of Lieutenant.[1] He became a malt farmer after the war.[1] He served as president of Dublin University Football Club from 1945–1947.[1] In 1955, he became president of the Irish Rugby Football Union, opening the newly constructed west stand at Lansdowne Road in that same year.[1] Read died at Dalkey in December 1972.[1]