- Born 30 September 1832 Kingstown (Dun Laoghaire) Co Dublin
- Died 26 January 1898 14, Cromwell Road, Hove, Sussex
- Educated Eton and Rugby
- Occupation Deputy Lieutenant and Magistrate.
- Debut 4 Spetember 1863 v I Zingari at Vice Regal Gardens
- Cap Number 68
- Style Right hand batsman, slow right arm.
- Teams Co Wicklow, Carlow, I Zingari
Edward Cole was a useful all round cricketer, one of the surprisingly large band of players who appeared both for and against Ireland. In club cricket he played for both Co Wicklow and Carlow. In 1863, he turned out for XVIII of the latter club against I Zingari. His bowling proved successful, dismissing three of the visitors, including RA - Bob - Fitzgerald, legendary MCC Secretary and RHB Marsham, an Oxford Blue of 1854-56 and a fine all rounder, who was one of a remarkable family of eight first class cricketers, that spanned two generations. I Zingari were put out for 92, but the XVII could only muster a score of 69 in reply. Edward, opening, made 12, second top scorer to Hugh Despard, before being bowled by the tragic Henry Awkwright, who had 12 in the innings. The match petered out into a draw. Edward did not bat in the second innings, when Carlow, needing 123, finished on 45-6.
He also played several matches for I Zingari on their annual Irish tours, though he did little to excite the considerable crowds the Zingaros usually drew. His best score was a second innings 14 in a draw with XXII of Kilkenny, while his best bowling figures were 1-29 in a 9 wicket victory over Dublin University in College Park It was, however, an important wicket. The University had batted first and lost two quick wickets. Then William Hone (senior) and Tom Casey, the two best players in the side, came together, to add 103 for the third wicket. By breaking this partnership, Edward was able to regain the initiative for the visitors. Unfortunately in his only innings he allowed himself to be bowled by JP Mahaffy for 0. Mahaffy was a clever underarm bowler, but, as a man with a huge opinion of himself in all his walks of life, would most certainly have described in everlasting detail, possibly in classical Greek, just what he had done with the ball to take the wicket.
Edward played twice for Ireland, making his debut against IZ at the Vice Regal Ground in September 1863. He did not bowl in the match and, at No 7, failed with the bat, being bowled by the inevitable Arkwright for 3. I Zingari held sway for most of the match, but did not allow themselves the time to bowl Ireland out twice. His other outing in Irish colours was against MCC at Lord's in 1867. This match was ruined by rain, which was pity as both sides were of considerable strength, and a good match was in prospect. Ireland won the toss and Edward opened the batting with HH Montgomery, father of the Field Marshall. They reached 10-0, then the rains came and did not relent.
He did play in one more Irish match but for I Zingari against the national side. Ireland should have won the match, Hone being blamed for taking too long over 91, denying them time to force a win. Batting at 10, Edward was bowled by Ireland's captain George Barry for 10. He did not bat in the second innings in which I Zingari easily played out time, the brilliant CF Buller finishing on 111*.
Edward Campbell Stuart Cole was not seen in Irish cricket again. Edward had a distinguished career in public life. A Captain in the Oxfordshire Militia, he served with that body in Corfu, during the Crimean War. Back at home he was, at different times Deputy Lieutenant for Oxfordshire and, at different times, a magistrate for Oxfordshire, Devon and Kildare, his family having large estates in the last names county. By the time of the 1881 Census, he was resident in Devon, but had moved to the Sussex coast by the time of his death. His will bequeathed to his widow and daughter, the then very large sum of just over £21708.
I am grateful to Philip Defriez for bringing the entries for this player in the Rugby School register to my attention."