Galloway Cricket Club is mourning the loss of of one its dearest and most respected supporters.
Dennis Coombs died just four days after the new clubhouse at Gatehouse was named in his honour.
The Dennis Coombs Pavilion will stand as a lasting legacy of his resolve to create a permanent home for the club.
Galloway Cricket Club business group member Phil McMenemy paid tribute to Dennis’ enormous contribution over the years.
He said: “I have been with the club for seven or eight years and over that time Dennis was a constant source of inspiration.
“We are going to miss him terribly – everyone will.
“He’s been the one who would come down to every home game and any time anything happened at the club from starting the nets to coffee mornings Dennis was always there.
“He was the rock of the club. He was absolutely the driving force behind the pavilion and he was the bridge between the club and the patrons.
“He will be sorely missed.”
Mr McMenemy, 57, from Laurieston, added: “It’s important to remember his very close friends and dear family because they are the ones who are going to miss him the most.
“It was fitting that Dennis could participate in the naming ceremony surrounded by so many members, friends and particularly his family.”
More than 100 people joined Dennis, who was 81, for the naming celebration at Cally on December 8.
His wife Mary, past and present players, patrons, committee members, friends and family all attended.
Dennis had a life-limiting illness and the club rescheduled the occasion so he could unveil the plaque bearing his name.
Dennis told the News before his big day: “Dying is no great thing.
