Cricket is growing hugely in the South Dublin region and with thanks to the Lords Taverners Ireland and South Dublin County Council (SDCC) we are now better equipped to include persons with disabilities – and hopefully lead the way in Ireland.
SDCC and Cricket Leinster Grassroots Development Officer, Amy Kenealy attended a Cricket Inclusion Course in Belfast and came back inspired. Since the course, she has now trained up to tutor the brand new game to Ireland: ‘Table Cricket.’
Table Cricket is a modified game of cricket with similar rules to the game played in the highly successful Cricket Leinster schools ‘Leprechaun Cup.’ This however, is played on a table tennis table. It consists of six players per-side: a batter, a bowler and four active fielders that move around on sliders controlled by the players.
The game had its first outing with the ‘Gladiator Group’ in Collinstown, Clondalkin. Alison Silke and Paula Swayne set up this group in 2010, they are both Sports & Recreational Officers in the Community Services Department of South Dublin and are passionate about creating more opportunities for disability sport.
This game has had huge success across disability groups worldwide, with the biggest attraction being the ability to include a large array of disability group within the same game. The English Cricket Board holds large tournaments annually and hold the game in the highest regard, and Cricket Leinster has taken a progressive step forward to join forces. Every year, a national tournament takes place, with the finals day held in the famous Lords Cricket Ground aka “The Home Of Cricket.”
Kenealy is determined one day to bring an Irish Table Cricket team to London, and has been making every effort to develop the game in SDCC. “Table Cricket is really exciting, and opens a new window for cricket in Ireland, and for disability groups throughout the country. The enjoyment of the players and their families is something to behold, and seeing this impact is really inspiring.”
There has been a lot of action to back up this passion. Visits to meet the Lords Taverners’ at their base in London has given much direction, and games of Table Cricket have been played across the SDCC region.
A particular highlight was being invited to present at the prestigious Lords Taverners’ Christmas Lunch, where some inspirational words from Henry Tighe (Cricket Leinster President) prompted the Taverners to donate two additional Table Cricket sets to utilise in the region.
The Taverners’ are a charitable organisation who aspires to “Give young people, particularly those with disabilities a sporting chance.”
Kenealy spoke with pride about the event, “Kevin O’Brien took part in my demonstration at the Taverners’ lunch and really enjoyed the experience. George Hook is also an ambassador for Taveners’ and had great fun playing for the first time.”
Table Cricket is the on the up in Ireland. If you would like any more information on how to get involved, or if you would like to help promote the game, please contact Amy Kenealy on amy.kenealy@gmail.com