Fingal County Council and Cricket Leinster have over the last few years visited over 40 schools in the Fingal area delivering ‘Introduction to Cricket’ sessions in National schools. All of this work by coaches is evident by looking at the success that Rush Cricket Club and local school St Catherine’s have achieved during 2014.
Rush Cricket Club’s U11 and U13 boys are Leinster and All Ireland champions following heroic performances throughout the country.
The U11s recorded a nail-biting victory over favourites YMCA CC in the final over of their Leinster final and followed this up with an impressive victory over Instonians CC of Belfast in the All Ireland semi-final. The final against Eglinton CC (near Derry) was a very one-sided affair as Rush completely dominated from the outset to romp to victory by 9 wickets The U13’s had an equally thrilling last ball victory over the much acclaimed YMCA side in the Leinster final and followed this with a solid 6-wicket away victory over Killyclooney in the North West. The final v Waringstown was scheduled to be played in Rush but the weather conspired to prevent it being played on the due date and the match was re-fixed to Waringstown CC (near Banbridge). The match was played in front of a very large crowd of spectators and Cricket Ireland officials were amazed at the level of travelling support from Rush. Rush ended up beating Waringstown by 6 wickets. This All Ireland double is historic for Rush Cricket Club with 2014 being by far the clubs most successful year at youth level.
The clubs U17 girls play in a combined side with Malahide and are Leinster u17 Cup winners this season.
The Leprechaun Cup competition is played between 40 primary schools in Leinster and was won this year by St Catherine’s National School of Rush.
Long may their success continue and a big thanks to all the coaches involved.