Jack Kilcran moved to Evenwood when he and Alice married and initially, they lived at the Queens Head pub which was run by his “in-laws”, Billy and Mary Ada Atkinson.  Billy was a keen sportsman, particularly cricket, in his younger days.  Jack was also a keen cricketer but football was his first love.

Below: Jack and Alice Kilcran

Football Career

Many Northern League clubs tried to sign Jack Kilcran but he stayed loyal to Evenwood.  The crowning season was 1948 – 49 when Evenwood Town won the Northern League for the first time.  Evenwood enjoyed decent FA Amateur Cup runs during the 1950s and an FA Cup run which ended with a tie against Jack’s home town team, Darlington.  They were playing in the Football League Division 4 at the time and comfortably won the match 7 – 2. 

Below: Evenwood Town 1948 – 49 Northern League Champions

Jack Kilcran seated, far right.

Below: 1953 – 54: Jack Kilcran

When Jack hung up his boots, he took on the job as trainer for a number of seasons.

Below:  About 1955, Evenwood Cricket Club.  Jack Kilcran seated far left.

Family Details

John “Jack” Kilcran was born 16 August 1919 at Darlington, the son of John and Carnation Kilcran.  There were at least 3 siblings, 1 brother, William and 2 sisters Mary and Louisa.  Jack is recorded as working as a, “Locomotive Plater”.  In 1949, Jack Kilcran married Alice Atkinson at Evenwood.  A daughter, Joan was born in 1950.  Jack died 6 April 1999, aged 79.

Below: 1950 Jack, Ada, Alice, Carnation holding Joan at the back of the Queens Head.