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Tributes have poured in following the passing of comedian Jimmy Cricket, who died on Monday at the age of 80 after a brief illness. Renowned for his distinctive look including wellington boots, a battered bowler hat, and his memorable catchphrases, Cricket was celebrated by those closest to him as an inspirational figure. His son, Father Frankie Mulgrew, paid a heartfelt tribute, noting that his father “saw the joy in everything, right up until his death.” Reflecting on his final moments, Fr Mulgrew recalled how Jimmy wanted to receive last rites twice, much like a performer requesting an encore.
Father Mulgrew, a Catholic priest at Salford Cathedral, highlighted how deeply important faith was to his father. He emphasized that in his final days, Jimmy was looking forward to “going home, to going into eternity.” Above all, Cricket aimed to spread joy and silliness throughout the world, a mission he pursued until the very end of his life. Mulgrew described his father’s purpose simply: “to inject as much joy and silliness into the world as he could.”
Born James Joseph Mulgrew in Cookstown, County Tyrone in 1945, Cricket left school at 16 before starting his career as a Redcoat at Butlins in 1966. He later made a name for himself on the comedy club circuit during the 1970s and 1980s, eventually winning the LWT’s Search for a Star contest. This success led to his own television programme on ITV as well as a radio series on BBC Radio 2. Despite living his later years in the Greater Manchester area, Jimmy always maintained a strong affection for Northern Ireland. Father Mulgrew spoke of how his father never hesitated to visit even during the troubled times, aiming to bring light and positivity to a dark period.
Fellow comedians also shared their reflections on Jimmy Cricket’s character. Roy Walker, another entertainer from Northern Ireland who shared many stages and experiences with him, remembered him as a “sincere wee fella” who “loved everyone and everyone loved him.” Walker recounted the challenges of their early careers, including poorly paid gigs that sometimes ended with them being hurried from venues, yet Cricket remained committed to performing clean comedy, avoiding swear words or offensive content. Veteran entertainer Christopher Biggins echoed these sentiments, calling Cricket “unbelievably fantastic” and “the nicest man” he had ever met. Biggins credited Cricket with making wellington boots fashionable through his act and praised his simple, hysterical humour that endeared him to the public. He affectionately imagined that Jimmy now shares the afterlife stage with fellow comedy great Ken Dodd, still bringing laughter to all
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