The club was founded in 2016 by John Egan who had played some cricket as a youth and was aware of the taverners cricket scene in Dublin. The initial concept came when he was spectating the regatta at the Liffey. John was inspired by the involvement and participation of the competitors and volunteers. He was of the belief that a similar type of group activity would benefit Chapelizod village.
The idea was pitched to friends who got on board and within six weeks, they played their first match against Ashbourne CC. Initially, there was some negativity from potential recruits, as people did not know the game well and had certain preconceptions surrounding the sport. One of the main challenges early on was that most of the players involved had never played cricket before, suffice it say, the first few games were, interesting!
They played six matches in their first season, claiming one victory. The player base was 14.
The team struck a chord with other locals in the area and the support was excellent.
In their second season, the number of games increased from 6 to 19 (9 wins, 9 losses and draw) while the player base grew to 22. They had also branched out to include longer social weekend games and an overnight trip to play Athlone CC. A committee was also introduced after the first season to handle the running of the club. A fundraiser was held at The Villager pub mid-way through the season to great success with live music on the night, including Phoenix’s Matt Lunson (a local resident and musician as well as a useful leggy).
The club has grown again and at the start of the 2018 season membership is expected to reach 35+ players along with close to 30 games planned over the course of the summer. A return ‘over-nighter’ to Athlone is on the cards along with the club’s first tour to Somerset in June.
It is expected that in 2019, along with taverners and social cricket that a league team will be formed. The club is thriving and acts as a great example to other areas that cricket is a sport that can grow and grow in the country.
The club has received support from Dublin City Council (through development officer Gareth Herbert) who has provided a training facility at Ballyfermot leisure center along with supplying playing tops. Cricket Leinster have been very helpful also with coaches Fintan McAllister and Rony Hoque assisting the club with training sessions held each Spring to prepare us for each season.
When members first went to the Civil Service grounds to watch a match, they met both Tony Connell and Dick Forrest who have both been fantastic in supporting the club and are effectively honorary members at this point!
Chapelizod CC are recruiting for the 2018 season so if you live around the area and would like to get involved you can email them at chapelizodcricket@gmail.com or follow them on Facebook - /ChapelizodCricket.
Fixture Secretary: Colin Denneny
Logistics and Kit: Stephen Kinsella
Secretary: Don Kilmartin
Captain: John Egan
The club welcomes both inexperienced and experienced players.