It is with profound dismay that we learned last evening that YMCA CC's usage agreement with Lansdowne RFC for 2024 is no longer achievable in respect of Claremont Road.
As a consequence, both YM open competition teams have been withdrawn for the 2024 season.
Given the proximity of the playing season, the Open Premier League and Open Division 4 will be played as 7-team leagues for this season meaning that the other clubs in those divisions will have two less fixtures (the YM games) than originally scheduled.
The planned configuration of leagues for 2025 will remain unchanged which means that the top 5 teams in the Championship at the end of the 2024 season will now be in the expanded Premier League for 2025.
We are all thinking of everyone associated with YM in light of this significant adverse development and we hope the club can re-emerge at a later stage.
YMCA is a founding member club of Cricket Leinster and has contributed enormously to the growth and sustainability of cricket in Leinster over the past century and more.
Whilst the club has undoubtedly produced some excellent teams and outstanding cricketers (both men & women), it is also widely known and respected for its culture & ethos of inclusion, integrity, family, fairness and fun.
Needless to say, we will continue to work with YM's leadership team to explore options for the future. On the playing side, any players wishing to participate elsewhere for the 2024 season will be facilitated by being transferred FOC on our systems.
Lá eile le cúnamh Dé