Herbert Aston facts for kids

Herbert Reid Aston (born May 15, 1885 – died January 27, 1968) was a talented Irish athlete. He was known for playing both cricket and rugby union at a high level. He even played for the Irish national rugby team!

Early Life and Rugby Star

Herbert Aston was born in Dublin, Ireland, in May 1885. He went to Wesley College in the city. After that, he studied engineering at Trinity College.

While at Trinity College, Herbert played rugby union for the Dublin University Football Club. He was so good that he was chosen to play for the Irish national team in 1908. He played in two big international matches. These games were against England and Wales.

Cricket and Engineering Adventures

After finishing his engineering degree, Herbert Aston's work took him to different parts of the world. In 1917, he worked on rebuilding the Mandalay Canal in Burma (now Myanmar). He also served as an officer in the army during the First World War.

By the mid-1920s, Herbert was an important engineer in Burma. He still loved playing cricket there. He played two special first-class matches in January 1927. These games were against the famous Marylebone Cricket Club. He played one match for Rangoon Gymkhana. The second match was for the team representing Burma. In these games, he scored 32 runs and took 2 wickets.

Later Life in Ireland

Herbert Aston later returned to Ireland. He continued to be involved in sports. He became a rugby referee and also enjoyed playing golf.

He worked as a river inspector on the River Shannon in Limerick. Later, he moved to Dublin to work with his brother in an engineering business. After his brother passed away, Herbert took over the company.

Herbert Aston died in Rathcoole, Ireland, in January 1968. He was survived by his wife, two daughters, and one son. His brother, John Aston, was also a first-class cricketer.