New Zealander Josh Tasman-Jones officially launched this year’s Leprechaun Cup, a competition that will see 46 Primary schools participating in hardball cricket matches in the coming weeks.
Coaches currently active within schools include the four Leinster development staff, many club coaches who have established links with local schools along with Fintan McAllister, Josh Tasman-Jones, Peter O’Donnell, Simi Singh, Caoilfhionn Rowan and Paul O’Hara.
These coaching positions have also come about through financial support received from both Fingal County Council and South Dublin County Council who are more than pleased to be involved in such a fast growing competition.
New schools included in this year’s competition include the following:
Willow Park
Sancta Maria (Synge Street)
Carysfort
Esker Educate Togethe
rGriffeen Valley Educate Together
Edmonstown NS
Whitechurch NS
Holy Rosary Firhouse
Scoil Treasa Firhouse
Tasman-Jones from Ackland, who is here playing with Dublin University has been assisting with coaching sessions at Gaelscoil Mobhi in Glasnevin. He is preparing them for their 1st round game against Springdale from Raheny and has been impressed with what he has seen to date.
‘The boys and girls have really enjoyed the sessions and are eagerly awaiting their game next week against Springdale NS. Prior to the game they will be involved with two hardball practice sessions at Clontarf CC and this should have them well prepared. The levels of interest in the game here in Dublin has surprised me with the standard being easily on a par, if not better to similar schools coaching work I have carried out in New Zealand. I am hoping that during my short stay here I can contribute further to the development of the game in Ireland’.
This year’s Leprechaun Cup fixtures are listed on the ‘cricketleinster.ie’ website. Go to Category ‘Youth’ and then Competition ‘Leprechaun Cup’ to view.