LEINSTER SCHOOLS CRICKET EXPANDS IN DUNDALK

As the sun rose on another cricket season in Leinster, the ribbon was being cut by Ireland international Shane Getkate, on Dundalk Grammar School’s new cricket training facility.

The facility is the culmination of the tireless work of David Symmons, and the vision of Dundalk Grammar School, for the role that cricket can play in its ambitious post-COVID sports development programme.

The facility, which has the full backing of Cricket Leinster, is part of ensuring not only training, but a greater number of Dundalk teams participating in the Leinster Youth competitions over the coming three years, something that Cricket Development Manager Brian O’Rourke was delighted to see:

“Dundalk stood out as an area we had to grow opportunities.  It is, with great pleasure, that we open the new facility, the culmination of so many volunteers' outstanding efforts, safe in the knowledge that the adventures kids will play out here, will be part of inspiring the next generation of Dundalk cricketers, with all that will bring to the local community”.

On hand to support Brian was Ireland international Shane Getkate, who was reminded of his youthful experiences within the Leinster Youth schools programme:

“For the international caps I have received to date, I still remember the games I played in the Leinster Youth Schools’ competitions.  This facility is going to play a great role in inspiring a generation to kick start the real growth of cricket in Dundalk, and very grateful to be have been invited to be here to see that first step being taken”.

David Symmons, Head of Cricket for Dundalk Grammar School, was thrilled with the new facility, and the role it will play in the school’s growth of cricket plans.

“The new facility is an inspiration to all of the cricketers in the school.  Thank you to everyone who has played their part in ensuring it has come to reality and to Shane for visiting, to open, talk, and inspire the kids on his journey from playground to international.  I hope that he looks back in five or ten years, to see kids here from Dundalk in the national team of Ireland”.

Mr Symmons, was open to the next step for the cricket project, and that was to attract additional coaches whose passion and skill, match those found in the school.

“I would welcome the application of any cricket coach who believes they have what it takes to help us in Dundalk Grammar School, to grow into a school able to cater for all of the passionate cricketers we have”.

For more information on Dundalk’s new cricket training facility, and the coaching roles, please contact David Symmons at mr.symmons@dgs.ie

Photos: Conor Sally