Frank William Gilligan

Frank William Gilligan OBE (20 September 1893 – 4 May 1960) was an English cricketer who played for Oxford University and was an integral part of the Essex county side for ten years. He went on to become headmaster of one of New Zealand's top independent schools and was awarded an OBE in 1955 for his services to education.

Background Frank Gilligan was the son of Willie Austin Gilligan and Alice Eliza (née Kimpton). He was the oldest of four children, having two younger brothers and a sister Kathleen. His two younger brothers, Arthur Gilligan and Harold Gilligan both went on to captain England at cricket. All three brothers attended Dulwich College. Frank was in the school 1st XI for three years (from 1911 to 1913) and was also an excellent Rugby Union player, playing for the 1st XV in 1912 and 1913. He also held the school record for the mile in 1911. From Dulwich College, he had an Exhibition to Worcester College, Oxford to read English. However, whilst there World War I caused him to join the British Army, serving as an officer with the 12th Battalion of the Essex Regiment, rising to the rank of captain, and being mentioned in despatches for his service during the war.

First-class cricket At Oxford he won two cricket blues,

After he retired from teaching he took up cricket umpiring, officiating in two Plunket Shield matches in 1956 and 1957.

In education Gilligan joined Uppingham School in 1920, where he eventually became a housemaster. He taught there until 1935, under the headship of another Old Alleynian Reginald Owen. His background in cricket made him the ideal candidate to become the head of cricket at the school and it is reputed that he was responsible for a Golden Age of Uppingham cricket.

In 1955 he was appointed OBE for his services to education.