Club Feature - Clondalkin CC

Clondalkin Cricket Club has continued to strive for better facilities ever since it began back in 2015.

This year their project of choice is their practice facilities. After completing a DIY job on their nets when they first established as a club, they quickly realised that they were in need of a more professional solution. Their numbers have grown year on year with their latest membership at 58 adults and 22 children. On top of this, several of their teams have climbed the league tables. For these main two reasons, they decided to launch a fundraising campaign in order to fulfil their members wishes: a two-lane net practice area, with secure fencing and a battery powered bowling machine.

In November 2019 they started their fundraising plans – starting with a dinner to launch their plans for all their sponsors, Cricket Leinster representatives, the South Dublin Mayor Vicki Casserly as well as club members and their friends and family. The event was attended by about 75 people on a Monday evening back in February. Their President and local Councillor, Kenny Egan, was the gracious host with smiles and handshakes all round.

As South Dublin Mayor Vicki Casserly congratulated the club in their successful application of the sports application, she added that “the one thing we have learnt recently is that cricket is a very popular developing sport within our community”. She continued to say that the sport “offers a way through social inclusion embracing all cultures in our communities and opening doors for integration for all sides of our community, which can only be a positive.” The mayor also said “it is important for our community in Clondalkin and beyond to see this developing”. After the dinner she promised to try play it someday soon, perhaps come down to a school session and give it a go with the kids.

Derek Dockrell, former Cricket Leinster President, spoke highly of the clubs achievements but firmly stated that one of the most important things, from a Cricket Leinster’s point of view, was “the great work that [they] have done with youth cricketers”. He noted that “setting up a youth section is actually laying the foundation for a very sustainable club in the years to come”. Derek praised the clubs high attendance at Cricket Leinster’s workshops, courses and their involvement at committee level. Before sitting down to tuck into the delicious food awaiting him, he thanked South Dublin County Council for their support over the years, co-funding Development Officers, and recognised the importance of sponsors for clubs. He was right to highlight the importance of the sponsors.

As it turned out they were responsible for a massive part of the fundraising success that evening, Abul Shapon stating that they had raised €8,000 that evening.

We wish Clondalkin all the best with their practice facilities upgrades and continued fundraising efforts.