Condolences - Joe Thompson, 1989 - 2025

Everyone at Rochdale Cricket Club is saddened to hear of the passing of Joe Thompson, and we send heartfelt condolences to his family and friends.

Joey Thompson

Rest in peace, our friend, our hero.

From Bath he came with boots unlaced,

A boy who moved with fire and grace,

On schoolyard turf he made his name,

And from that day, we weren’t the same.

A ball at feet, a dream so wide,

Joey led, we ran beside.

Under fences, through the rain,

Chasing goals, both joy and pain.

He showed us how to train, to care,

To eat our greens, to always dare.

Homework done, then boots on tight,

With Joey, everything felt right.

He wore the red, he lived the dream,

Made it pro, chased every gleam.

But more than skill or fame or goal,

He had a diamond-covered soul.

His smile could break the darkest cloud,

His laugh would lift the heavy shroud.

A warrior’s heart beneath his chest,

He fought, he gave, he led the best.

When cancer struck that first cruel time,

We grew for Joe, climbed every climb.

And when it came again, more grim,

The northwest marched in love for him.

Still he stood, with fire in eyes,

Defiant under changing skies.

But yesterday, the fight grew cold,

Too soon, too young, too brave, too bold.

To Chantelle, strength through aching years,

To his kids, may love dry every tear.

To Reuben, brother, proud and true,

And Michelle, our hearts go out to you.

We lost a friend, a guiding light,

But Joey’s spirit burns so bright.

In every kick, in every cheer,

Our Joey Thompson’s always near.

Fly high, mate. We’ll never forget you.

Michael Harling