LAST week Leinster won the U13 interprovincial championship, the fifth time in succession the Sean Pender Memorial Cup has ended up in Dublin.
The tournament has been an important part of the process that has seen Ireland spring forward in recent years. Of the six players who have made centuries in the event, three have gone on to Irish international glory – Gary Wilson and Eoin Morgan at cricket, and Mark Gleghorne at hockey as well as on the GB hockey team that finished 4th at the London Olympics. In the last three years there have been three more.
In 2009 by Gareth Delany, who has been a regular on Leinster CC's firsts this summer. Ru Jones, made his hundred for Munster in 2010 and has already played for North County’s 1st XI. The same year Gary McClintock made the first ever for his province and he has continued to make progress for North West and Donemana.
Ten years ago saw the first of a three-in-a-row for Leinster. North-West won three-in-a-row after that with players such as Andrew McBrine and Graeme McCarter, but for the past five years the trophy has ended up in Dublin.
In 2003 Leinster won all three games: Graeme McDonnell (39no) held the tail together and posted 25 too many for North West; Munster were trounced with fifties for Andrew Balbirnie, Ray O’Connor and Eddie Richardson; and the dismissal of Paul Stirling for 19 and a fine all-round performance by Ben Ackland proved crucial as the NCU were beaten by four runs in the decider.
But one of the issues that has proved troubling to youth cricket coaches in recent years has been the fall-off rate of young players as they hit their mid-to-late teens. So, of the boys of ’03, how many have made the grade or given up the game?
Of the other provinces, only Paul Stirling and James Shannon have played for Ireland, although Lee Nelson and Craig Young have ‘A’ caps. Leinster has seen only one of its men go on to become a full international.
Ben Ackland (Merrion, captain) had a successful time at Cambridge University, making four 50s in first-class games against the counties, but in six appearances for Ireland A has yet to make a 50.
Andrew Balbirnie (Pembroke) is now on the books at Middlesex and has picked up eight Ireland caps since his debut three years ago.
Matthew D’Arcy (Clontarf) Played Ireland U13 and U15 but hasn’t played senior cricket since 2011. Now in Australia.
Richie Forrest (Clontarf) Played for Ireland U13s but only other representative cricket was for Irish Universities. Prolific with Trinity in 2013, he is now with Leinster.
Eoin Furlong (Merrion) Went on to play for Ireland U13s, but played only once for club first XI, in 2006. No longer plays.
Shane Getkate (Malahide) Spent a time with Warwickshire and suffered a health scare. Now fully recovered, he has won 13 ‘A’ caps and is now with North County.
Graham McDonnell (Leinster) Moved to Pembroke and then on to Railway Union, but played only twice in 2012. Won eight Ireland ‘A’ caps but is now believed to be pursuing a career in golf.
Ray O’Connor (Merrion) Played for CUS and Belvedere at schools level but has now given up playing cricket.
Brian O’Farrell (Pembroke) Played for club first XI aged 15 but slipped down the sides, playing just once for the 3rd XI last summer. Not on 2013 starring lists. Soccer for Home Farm and Drumcondra.
Keith Reynolds (Malahide) In and out of the club first XI since senior debut in 2007 but has been a regular this season.
Eddie Richardson (North County) Has developed into one of the finest all-rounders in club cricket, and has made the step up with 15 wickets for Leinster Lightning this summer. 7 ‘A’ caps.
Conor Shiel (North County) Played for Ireland at U13 and U17 level and has been a regular first XI player since 2007.
· Leinster beat North West by 25 runs
July 1, Clontarf
Leinster 157 (33 overs, G McDonnell 39*, B Ackland 22, S Gekate 22, R McBrine 3-18, C Averill 2-15, C Young 2-39)
North West 132 (J Blakston-Houston 52, C Young 25, C Shiel 3-34, E Furlong 2-15, S Getkate 2-20)
· Leinster beat Munster by 174 runs
July 2, Sydney Parade, Dublin
Leinster 308-7 (A Balbirnie 74, E Richardson 56, R O'Connor 51, L Matthews 2-47)
Munster 134 (M Callaghan 36, S Gee 21, C Sheil 4-12, G McDonnell 2-8)
· Leinster beat NCU by 4 runs
July 3, Balrothery
Leinster 135 (B Ackland 27, R Forrest 27, L Nelson 2-14, P Stirling 2-21)
NCU 131-9 (J Shannon 29, B Ackland 4-23, S Getkate 2-19)
Below: the 2013 champions with coaches Barry McCarthy and Briain O'Rourke