LEINSTER NATIONAL PROGRAMMES AUGUST UPDATE

Saturday morning marked the end of a hugely successful summer for Greystones Cricket Club in the first running of their Smash It and It's Wicket National Programmes. With over 50 children participating in both national programmes over the course of July and August on Tuesday nights and Saturday mornings. Greystones are one of the clubs to roll out the national programmes for the first time this summer.

Ronan Kane, the clubs youth coordinator commented on the impact that the programmes have had on the clubs development. 

“The smash it and its wicket programmes have provided a huge boost to both to our youth numbers and the broader profile of the cricket club in the community.

We have had tremendous support from both CI and CL in terms of training and equipment and have been heartened by the positive feedback we have received from both participants and parents alike.”

In addition to the weekly sessions, participants of the It's Wicket programme from Greystones got the opportunity to be mascots at the Ireland v Sri Lanka women's T20I game at Pembroke. Something that the Its wicket participants from Halverstown will get the chance to do for the upcoming Ireland v England games at Clontarf. 

Halverstown are a club that are in its third year of running national programmes and youth coordinator Stuart Conroy has said that club has been comleltey changed since the role out of the programmes. 

"This was the 3^rd year that Halverstown CC has taken part in the National Programmes (Smash-It & It’s Wicket). We had record numbers across both camps which was fantastic to see, especially with many of the boys and girls having their first ever exposure to Cricket. Many of the girls that took part in It’s Wicket have subsequently joined the club and were part of Halverstown fielding their first ever all women’s team a few weeks ago. We hope we’ll see many of the kids again in 2025.

Cricket Leinster's national programmes coordinator Killian Molloy added

"It is great to see the girls from the various cricket clubs get a chance to have an opportunity to walk out and meet with the Irish players. The It's Wicket programme has been very successful for the clubs that have run it, and having an opportunity for the participants to walk out with the Irish players, will hopefully be a small part in inspiring the next generation."

Other highlights of the summer include Ongar CC, who had over 40 children participate in the clubs first ever youth programme. The club used the local primary school, Hansfield ETNS, as a base to conduct sessions. A fine example of using community resources to offer cricket activities to all in the local area. 

The demand for Smash It in Ongar has been huge, with the club commenting on how the interest for the product.

“It's inspiring to see the enthusiasm and talent of these future cricket stars. A big thank you to all the coaches, parents, and of course, our incredible young players for making this event such a success.”

Ongar are a number of clubs who have expressed interest in furthering their delivery of the national programmes throughout the year, and not just through the cricket season. 

Killian Molloy has added in conclusion:

“In summary it has been a very good year for national programmes in Leinster, with new clubs coming on board to roll out the programmes and healthy numbers across the board for those that have participated. The most important thing about these programs is the children who participate. Seeing the levels of enjoyment and seeing the enthusiasm on their faces to keep coming back is wonderful. These programmes would also not be possible without the activators who roll out the project on the ground each and every week, these people are instrumental to the grassroots development of our game. 

I look forward to expanding and rolling out these programmes across various areas in the autumn and winter and into summer 2025. It is an exciting time for Irish cricket and with the development these national programmes can only enhance the sport within Leinster and the wider country. “