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We are continuing on our articles as part of our build up to the Cricket Ireland Awards 2016 with the O’Neills Club of the Year nominees.
We are continuing on our articles as part of our build up to the Cricket Ireland Awards 2016 with the O’Neills Club of the Year nominees. This year there have been eight clubs shortlisted for the tightly contested prize, from all part of the country.
1: Ardmore

2016 was the most successful year enjoyed by Ardmore, only missing out on the NW Premier League on the final day of the season, while they were also runners up in the Ulster Cup. The 2nd team won the Qualifying 2 League and Cup, and the 3rd team won their Qualifying 4 Cup competition, losing out on the Qualifying 4 League on the final day of the season. Along with this, the midweek team won the Derry Midweek League. Off the field, strong links with schools were put in place and along with this the History of Ardmore book was launched during the season. Ardmore also organised 3 Junior sides plus an indoor u11 side.

2: County Kerry

It was a landmark season for Kerry Cricket Club. The stunning new purpose built ground at Spa (between Tralee and Fenit) is the only cricket ground at roadside, along the 2,500 kilometres of the Wild Atlantic Way. The Kerry 1st Team beat North Kildare, securing a home quarter final against Newbuildings in the Irish National Cup and finished runners up to Cork in the Munster Senior Shield and the Munster Premier Division. They also reached the semi-finals of the Munster t20 tournament. Kerry’s 3rd team completed a remarkable double taking the Munster Minor Shield and the Munster Division Two Trophy.

3: Ring Commons

Ring Commons Cricket Club were delighted to be nominated for Club of the year. It is a reflection of all the hard work put in by Members both on and off the pitch.The cricket club was reformed on June 9th 2012 and continues to grow from strength to strength. The club has had it most successful season in 2016. The 1st Team Were LCU Division 11 league winners, as well as having double success in cup competition, winning Whelan Cup as well as the Junior Cup. At youth level, the U11 side were finalists LCU Youth C finalists. The club was also shortlisted as one of the best ground in Leinster cricket, highlighting the development of the Ring Commons Sport Centre.

4: Ballyspallen

Ballyspallen CC enjoyed a successful 2016 with a number of “firsts” for the club on and off the field. The club returned to the ranks of senior cricket for the first time since 2010 and finished a creditable mid-table but won the prestigious Eric Cooke Cup for the first time in their history. The 2XI won the Qualifying 3 Cup for the third successive year. Off the field of play Ballyspallen became the first club in the NWCU to become fully accredited under the Cricket Ireland Club Accreditation Scheme. Ground improvements allowed the club to host their first ever underage interprovincial match and during the season the club had its first ever player to represent the North-West Warriors.

5: Clontarf

2016 was another busy season for Clontarf CC. The club celebrated its 140th birthday in style, retaining the Leinster Senior League title. There were trophies also for the 2nd XI, 6th XI, women and schoolgirls as well as representative players at almost every level. The Club was pleased to host the Leinster Senior Cup final as well as representative fixtures for Cricket Ireland, culminating in the inaugural Irish Senior/National Cup Finals double weekend. Clontarf is a community club with a proud history, a strong volunteer ethic and a passionate membership.

6: Cork County

The 2016 season will certainly live long in the memory for players and supporters alike after the club won its second Leinster league title by clinching the Division 2 title in dramatic fashion on the final day of the league campaign.The title success came off the back of nine straight wins which eventually saw County pip Leinster to top spot by 4 points and clinch automatic promotion back to Division 1.The Club also retained its Munster Premier Division and Senior T20 crowns which showed the great strength and depth of the squad.

7: Laois

Laois have had an excellent season in cup competitions. They were runners up in the National Cup, playing Rush in Clontarf back in August. They also had success in the Leinster Senior 2 Cup, where they retained their title against Clontarf 2, winning by 73 runs. Laois have been producing high standard cricket grounds, where they have been playing at the local rugby ground, as well as a renewed effort this year to grow youth cricket at the club.

8: Fox Lodge

2016 was a successful season for the North West side. The 1st team won the Championship League as well as the Sammy Jeffrey Shield. Their 3rd team won their league, as well as the midweek team won their cup competition. Their youth cricket has been growing recently, and now have teams at u11, 13 and 15 level. They have been very active in promoting cricket locally, by offering coaching to schools in their area.

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