Mexborough and Swinton Times October 28, 1927

Funeral Mr Irving Washington
Remarkable Demonstration of Public Respect
Lord Hawke’s Message
A Wreath Of White Roses

The funeral Mr Irving Washington, of “The Limes,” Barnsley Road, Wombwell, a former Yorkshire county cricketer, who died on October 20th, took place on Monday, and he was interred in Wombwell Cemetery, in the grave of his father. The grave was lined with evergreens, and around it was a profusion of beautiful wreaths.

Prominent amongst these was one of white roses. On it was a message “A token of sympathy and regard from Lord Hawke and the County Committee.”

Though a quarter of a century had elapsed since he played cricket for Yorkshire, Mr Washington was well remembered at headquarters. As a sportsman he stood high in the esteem of Lord Hawke.

There funeral was attended by remarkable demonstration of public respect and sympathy. The whole town appeared to be in mourning and not for long time has, so much honour been paid to the memory of a Wombwell Citizen.

Sheffield Daily Telegraph – Tuesday 25 October 1927

Irving Washington
Famous County Players Present at Funeral.

There was an impressive demonstration of public sympathy at the funeral Wombwell yesterday of Mr. Irving Washington, the former Yorkshire County cricketer.

In the course of a short but active career, Mr. Washington had been closely associated with affairs of sport as well as public life, and both elements were extensively represented. Perhaps the most touching incident, apart from that occasioned by the family loss, was seen when George Hirst approached the grave and, unrecognised by the vast majority of people present, took a last peep at the coffin that contained the mortal remains of his old colleague.

Among other well-known figures in county cricket present were W. Rhodes, A. Waddington, Norman and Colin Kilner. Roy Kilner bade an affectionate farewell of his uncle before embarking for Africa, the day before Mr- Washington’s death.

The interment took place Wombwell Cemetery, and as the cortege wended its way from Mr. Washington’s residence, The Limes, Barnsley Road, Wombwell, toward the burial ground, the streets were lined with sympathisers, and there was not a blind of a cottage or more prepossessing residence that was not drawn.

Notwithstanding his natural reserve, Mr. Washington was extremely popular in the town. The Rev. S. T. G. Smith, M.A., Rector of Womb well, addressed the crowd at the graveside. He said Mr. Washington “played the game” in the best sense of the term. The whole town, he said, would appreciate the high moral standard he had set, and would entertain feelings of deep sympathy for those who were left to mourn their loss.

Among the mourners were practically the whole of the members of the Wombwell Urban District Council, with whom Mr. Washington had sat in the Council Chamber, and there were also present the whole of the Wombwell Urban District Council administrative staff.

There were present many fellow Freemasons, and every neighbouring cricket club was represented. there were many floral tokens, including wreaths from the Wombwell Club, Lord Hawke, members of the Yorkshire County Cricket Club Committee, and Mr. and Mrs. Roy Kilner.