Mayo County Cricket Club donates historic letters to museum

A retired Mayo County Cricket Club player and scorer has formally donated a collection of four historic letters to the Bradman Museum in Bowral, honouring the enduring legacy of Sir Donald Bradman and the friendship between the cricketing communities of Ireland and Australia.

The letters comprise a reply from the Australian Embassy in Dublin to the club’s Public Relations Officer, thanking him for a heartfelt letter of sympathy sent following the death of Sir Donald Bradman in 2001.

The donation includes the original handwritten note, the first draft with corrections, and the final draft of the embassy’s reply, offering a rare glimpse into the care and sincerity of this diplomatic and sporting exchange.

Also included is a letter from the Bowral Museum acknowledging the thoughtfulness and sentiment expressed by Mayo County Cricket Club at the time.

“These letters are more than historical documents — they represent shared respect, goodwill, and the unifying spirit of cricket,” said Paul O'Neill, spokesperson for Mayo County Cricket Club.

“We are deeply honoured that they will now reside in the Bradman Museum, among the many treasures that celebrate Sir Donald’s life and legacy as we near the 25th anniversary of his passing.”

The Bradman Museum expressed its gratitude for the donation, noting that it highlights the far-reaching influence of Sir Donald Bradman, whose sportsmanship and humility continue to inspire cricket lovers around the world.

This exchange stands as a testament to the power of sport to bridge nations, preserve shared history, and foster lasting connections between communities.