The sadness at the deaths of Shane Warne and Rodney Marsh has been felt throughout the cricketing world and for local fans evoked memories of their visits to Belfast: Warne in 2001; Marsh 12 years later.

The legendary leg spinner was part of the prolific Australian side which had already won the Ashes 3-0 before taking on Ireland in what was to be the last international at the Ormeau ground.

Alas, the packed crowd did not see him bowl. The fact that he wasn’t included in the starting line-up became irrelevant as the 50 over match was abandoned after just 23 overs with Australia 86 for one.

Yet Warne did entertain the fans in a lengthy interview with the BBC’s Jackie Fullerton under umbrellas in front of the pavilion. It received the biggest applause of the day.

However, there was sport for the affable Warne. Shortly after arrival in Belfast he was on the golf course at Royal Belfast with Ricky Ponting and Mark Waugh.

Four years earlier Warne had paid his first visit to Northern Ireland when Ireland entertained Australia to a 50 over match at Eglinton. But again there was no on field magic with SK Warne listed as twelfth man. And again it was to be the golf course: where else but Royal Portrush.

As an Australian Test selector Rodney Marsh was part of the country’s “A” side set-up which played an Ireland XI at Stormont in a four day match in 2013.

The Belfast weather was again unkind yet sporting declarations and three centuries - Steve Smith and Nic Maddinson for Australia; Paul Stirling for Ireland - made for fine cricket.

Rod Marsh with Cricket Ireland President Robin Walsh at Stormont in 2013

Ireland lost by 93 runs but the sense was that cricket had won as both teams relaxed together privately over post match refreshments.

And there was no more relaxed figure than the legendary wicket keeper/batsman now turned selector, administrator and commentator.

Rodney’s liking for fine wine and a “real Irish Guinness” went hand in hand with splendid reminiscences in his soft spoken way: none more so than one of the most famous bets in sporting history.

It was the Ashes Test at Headingly in 1981 when such was the hopeless England cause that late in the game the odds against them winning were 500-1.

It was a temptation that neither Rodney nor Dennis Lillee could resist and the team coach driver placed £5 for the former and £10 for the latter.

What happened is Ashes history as the miraculous batting of Ian Botham and bowling of Bob Willis saw England to victory.

You believed Rodney Marsh implicitly when he told you it was the only bet he never wanted to win and a chunk of the money went on a set of golf clubs and a family holiday in Australia for the coach driver.

Rodney’s decision to join the “A” squad in Belfast had much to do with his admiration for the manner in which Ireland were climbing the cricketing ladder.

Rod Marsh, Robin Walsh and Phil Simmons make the 2013 Irish Senior Cup draw

After all he was the director of coaching at the ICC Global Academy in Dubai who gave the Irish team exhaustive net sessions for many weeks leading up to the 2011 World Cup in India.

Little wonder there was a huge smile as he recalled that famous Ireland victory over England. And the batting of Kevin O’Brien.

One former Irish international who has felt the loss of Shane Warne more than most is Waringstown’s Greg Thompson.

Back in 2008 when he was just 16 and already the youngest player ever to play for Ireland, the schoolboy spinner was treated to a half hour net session under the expert eye of none other than the master craftsman.

The venue was the Hampshire County Cricket Ground in Southampton where Warne was the overseas professional. It was the last port of call for Thompson who was on a mini tour aimed at putting a marker down in front of talent spotters.

Warne liked what he saw and next day young Thompson found himself in the Hampshire 2nd XI against Middlesex Seconds. The master had passed on invaluable advice to his young pupil about feet positioning and pace. The advice was heeded: Thompson took four for 36 off 16 overs.