CLUB INCLUSION FUND IN MEMORY OF PAUL REYNOLDS

It was announced at the CL Awards Night & Gala Dinner earlier this evening that the Cricket Leinster Board has approved the establishment of a fund dedicated to supporting club-level inclusion projects in memory of Paul Reynolds.

We were privileged that Jen Richards (Paul’s wife) and two of his sons (Ieuan and Iestyn) were able to join us in the Round Room for the announcement.

Whilst Paul’s contribution is beyond measure, he will be best remembered as a great friend to many, a listening ear to all and as a fair, decent, kind and engaging human being. Paul lived by a set of values that embodied equity & inclusion and leaves a brilliant legacy for all to follow.

It is with this in mind that CL will shortly announce details of the CL Club Inclusion Fund in Paul’s memory.

In summary, this fund will be dedicated to supporting projects which enhance inclusion at club level with a major focus on ethnicity, gender and mixed ability initiatives.

Some high-level examples of such initiatives could include:

+ establishing table and/or walking cricket at your club including equipment, training etc.

+ establishing and/or sustaining female cricket at your club including coaching support, equipment etc.

+ addressing rudimentary facilities challenges at your club including portaloos, mobile changing rooms, improved shelter, water containers etc.

+ supporting clubs which sign up for the CL mentoring programme focused on good governance, accelerated development and championing the club in collaboration with the relevant CL Development Officer, CL staff and Committees as appropriate.

+ supporting your club in the development & roll-out of practical and tangible inclusion initiatives which recognise/celebrate diversity.

CL will ensure the sustainability of the Club Inclusion Fund through a ring-fenced core investment on an annual basis and will also look to generate additional funding via philanthropic support.

Full details of how this fund will be administered will be finalised shortly including the qualifying criteria, application process, regulations and the oversight process.

Two core oversight principles will be as follows:

- 100% of the funds allocated and/or raised will be directed to approved inclusion projects.

- the oversight group accountable for the evaluation of projects and awarding of funds will be appointed by the Board and comprised of individuals which reflect the diversity of our club cricket community – we are honoured that Jen has agreed to be a member of the oversight group alongside Paul’s very good friend, Mark Jones, who was also at tonight’s event with his wife, Kat.

The Inclusion Fund is intended to honour and promote the ethos & values which Paul embodied in his capacity as a lead volunteer within cricket in Leinster and beyond. It is also a means by which we, as a community, can build on his legacy in a positive and enduring manner.