Today [hopefully given the weather forecast] Leinster cricket starts the 98th season of league cricket [the Intermediate Cup can be traced back further to 1895]. In 1919 eight teams took part in the first senior league competition. Other leagues followed in 2020. Some familiar names were present in 1919 - Leinster, Phoenix, Dublin University, Pembroke, Civil Service and Railway Union. And two not so familiar - RHMS and University College. In all a total of 54 competitive games took place that season.This year the season kicks off with matches between Castleknock and Mullingar. Tomorrow Clondalkin play their first competitive fixture in the league against another relatively new club, Lucan. By the end of the season 40 clubs will have taken part in league competitions with upwards of 1000 matches scheduled [not counting youth matches]. While club cricket in Leinster may have gone through its fair share of ups and downs over the years, there can be little argument that it is as strong as it ever has been.
It is not just the numbers playing [over 2000 registered for Open Competitions last season] but the standard of cricket and the quality of the grounds are probably as high as they have ever been.
But as we look forward to a new season we need to keep in mind the challenges that lie ahead. While Cricket Leinster’s development programme has helped new clubs to spring up across the province - there are still areas where the sport has no presence. Certainly the number of clubs has grown, but not all have the facilities they would like and need to progress. In terms of playing strength - participation rates have held up reasonably well over the past few years but there is a worrying dip in the numbers playing in their 20s and 30s. Youth cricket remains strong but the drop out rate is depressingly high. Volunteers are the mainstay of all of our clubs - but many clubs are reporting that they are harder to keep involved these days. And, of course, finding the money to fund club activities and development is always a challenge.
So plenty to think about and lots to do over the coming season. But in the meantime let us enjoy the cricket.