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Cricket Ireland has announced the Shapoorji Pallonji Cricket Ireland Academy Manager, Craig Hogan will leave his post with the organisation on May 6th to return to his native Australia.
Hogan, who was appointed as the first National Academy Manager in September 2013, together with Academy Performance Coach Ryan Eagleson set about establishing the new Shapoorji Pallonji Cricket Ireland Academy structure and programme. The Academy was established to identify and support the most talented young male and female players in the country, and provide them with a bespoke world-class player development programme in order to have the best possible chance of success on the international stage.

Throughout his tenure Hogan has overseen the development of 36 Academy recruits , including current Ireland senior internationals Peter Chase, Tyrone Kane, Gaby Lewis, Lucy O’Reilly, Kim Garth and Elena Tice.

A number of strong overseas links have been developed with in full member countries with some players having had the opportunity to experience conditions in Sri Lanka, South Africa and New Zealand. Plans are already in place for more opportunities for Academy players to travel overseas to continue their cricket development in 2016.

Speaking to www.cricketireland.ie about his departure, Hogan said: “It is certainly with mixed feelings that my wife Kathy and I are returning to Australia. Ireland is such a brilliant country and we have had a wonderful two and half years making some life-long friends but it is time to move back to our family.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed my role with Cricket Ireland working with so many hard working players and staff across many environments. The Shapoorji Pallonji Cricket Ireland Academy has continued to grow and it is really exciting to see our youngsters developing not just as cricketers but also as people. I can’t wait to see more of our graduates progress to the senior ranks and one day play Test cricket for Ireland.”

Hogan has also been heavily involved with the Ireland underage sides in a coaching and managerial capacity, and Cricket Ireland Performance Director paid tribute the work of the former Australian Under-19 vice-captain and Jersey national coach throughout his stay in Ireland:

“Craig has established an excellent Academy structure, helping to develop our best young talent into world class players. Not every player will make the Ireland national team and become professional sportsmen and women, but the standard in domestic and Inter-Provincial cricket will improve over time with such support for these players. Craig’s passion for the game, great people skills and desire to help every young player improve has been evident throughout his tenure and we shall miss this”.

“We wish Craig the very best in his return to Australia and we thank him for his very important contribution to the organisation.”

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