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When Ireland played England in the RSA Challenge at the start of the month, it wasn’t just the 22 internationals who got the chance to take to the turf for the first time at the new home of Irish cricket; but also 64 future stars as eight Under 9’s sides took to the field as part of an RSA ‘Get Into Cricket’ demonstration.
Whilst the Ireland and England players were enjoying their lunch and then getting ready for the second innings, the Boys and Girls from eight different clubs took to the Malahide turf and enjoyed some cricket under the blue skies in front of the huge crowd who cheered them on.

Cricketers from Adamstown, Malahide, North County, North Kildare, The Hills, Railway Union, Rush and Tyrellstown cricket clubs all took part with local Leinster Development Coaches Kenny Carroll, Reinhardt Strydom, Amy Kenealy, Laura Erskine and Fintan McAllister helping Cricket Ireland Development Manager for Leinster Brían O’Rourke to organise the matches.

Brían O’Rourke spoke of the enjoyment for all on the day; ‘The RSA Challenge game was a memorable day for all involved in Irish cricket with the 80+ children from a variety of Dublin clubs and schools having a day out they will never forget. The atmosphere during the lunch interval when the children were engaged in match activities was truly special. Participation figures have reached new highs across the five Unions which bodes well for the future of the game here in Ireland.’

Sinéad Webb who was the coach of the Tyrellstown Under 9’s said; “As a newly established club in Dublin 15 we were delighted to have the opportunity to take part in the RSA Get Into Cricket event at Malahide. Our Under 9’s were thrilled to play on the same ground as their Team Ireland heroes. Thanks to Cricket Ireland, Cricket Leinster and Fingal County Council for their ongoing support for our club”

Foram Mehta the coach of the North County team there on the day spoke of the excitement for the kids to play at Fortress Malahide; ‘4 Girls and 5 Boys of under 9 years of age from North County CC looking like Gladiators entered the Colosseum, these youngsters stepped on to the Hallowed Turf to impress the crowd just like their heroes did in the Ireland Innings. Possibly the best fun had to conclude their league season. A few attempts of slower ball bouncers and sweep shots made coaches get goose bumps. A sense of great joy for the kids, parents and the coaches alike!”

Many thanks to both Barry Chambers and Peter O’Doherty for taking the photos above and below.

Cricket Ireland
[1421] Half-time Kids cricket on September 3rd at Fortress Malahide – half-time-kids-cricket-on-september-3rd-at-fortress-malahide
[211] John Mooney – mooney-john
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