Murray Bridge cricket legend Daniel ‘Happy’ Gilmour to play final game this weekend

An esteemed country cricket legend is set to play his final game next weekend after being given a heartbreaking diagnosis.

Daniel 'Happy' Gilmour is a beloved figure in the Murray Bridge cricket community.

A beloved Murray Bridge local cricket legend will play his final game next weekend after being given a heartbreaking diagnosis.

Daniel ‘Happy’ Gilmour, who is president of the Murray Towns Cricket Association and has played in the competition for more than 30 years, has been forced to step away from the game he loves after being diagnosed with a brain tumour about 18 months ago.

A well-known figure in the town, 43-year-old Gilmour also runs the iconic River Murray paddle steamer Captain Proud, with the help of his wife Amanda, daughter Bree, 16, and son Boyd, 14.

But his heartbreaking diagnosis has meant he has had to relinquish his role as the Captain Proud’s skipper, as well as retire from cricket.

Daniel 'Happy' Gilmour with wife Amanda.

Jervois Cricket Club president Michael Bates, a close friend of Gilmour’s, said the club was holding a farewell match for the stalwart on Saturday, with funds raised going towards helping his family.

“It’s been a long and hard road … what he has endured would break most people,” he said.

“Over the past few years Happy has faced serious health challenges, and it is with a heavy heart that we acknowledge he will soon be unable to continue playing cricket.

“In recognition of his tremendous impact, we would like to ensure that Happy finishes his cricket journey with a memorable game.”

Gilmour’s home club Jervois will be hosting ‘Happy’s Game’ next Saturday, with teammates and opponents from the MTCA, along with friends and family, coming together to celebrate his contribution to the game and community.

The day will consist of two separate matches, with Gilmour’s son Boyd playing in a junior fixture, before a senior game between an XI captained by Gilmour and MTCA XI.

A swashbuckling right-handed batsman, Gilmour will leave the game revered for his sharp eye and ability to exquisitely time the ball.

Since stats started being recorded he has amassed more than 5000 runs in the MTCA, including five centuries and 23 half centuries, while also taking more than 200 wickets with the ball.

Daniel 'Happy' Gilmour with wife Amanda and children Boyd and Bree. Picture: Supplied by family

One of MTCA’s most loyal servants, he has been president of the competition for the past three years, as well as being involved as a player and coach for more than three decades.

“He loves his family and he loves the game of cricket, so this is a fitting way to bring both these things together to celebrate Happy,” Bates said.

He earned his nickname from the movie Happy Gilmour, possessing similar traits to the Adam Sandler character, particularly his ability to hit a long ball.

An avid sportsman, Gilmour has also been significantly involved in Murray Bridge’s golf and baseball communities.

‘Happy’s Game’ will take place at Jervois Oval, 95 kilometres from Adelaide, next Saturday, December 7 from 9am, with the junior match kicking off at 10am. The senior match will take place around 3pm.