It was a case of better late than never on Durrow’s village green yesterday, as Cricket returned to Durrow in County Laois after a gap of well over a century. It turned out to be a very special day for the schoolchildren from Durrow and the neighbouring town of Abbeyleix, as they took their place in history, and were all introduced to the sport for the first time in an afternoon ‘Roadshow’ of Cricket.
Events yesterday were triggered by the fascinating discovery of a journal which documented the activities, including the paying of some Irish players, of ‘Ashbrook Union Cricket Club’, from Durrow spanning the years of 1846-1848. This journal, which was discovered in a builder’s skip in Kildare, will be sold next week by Local Art Auctioneers, Sheppard’s.
The idea to put on a ‘Marquee Roadshow’ afternoon of Cricket for the local children came from Philip Sheppard of Sheppard’s and was facilitated with many thanks to the great efforts of Dick Forrest from The Leprechauns Cricket Club. Development Coach Andrew Leonard led the afternoon’s activities with help from two of the current Irish Under 19s, Shane Getkate & Barry McCarthy. The three coaches set about getting as much activity as possible into the afternoon and there was enough time for fielding, batting, some bowling and even an impromptu match towards the end of the fair spring day.
The whole day was a spectacular success with the village green, in the shadows of Durrow Castle, becoming a sea of cricket bats, balls, spectators and well over 50 very happy children. With the marquee hosting a few speeches from the gathered dignitaries, the afternoon then finished with the children all getting a piece of cricket cake and Philip Sheppard presenting a beautiful trophy to Dick Forrest of the Leprechauns CC. It is hoped will now be played for on an annual basis in Durrow, Co. Laois between the local schools.
Many thanks to all at Sheppard’s and also to Dick Forrest from the Leprechauns for making the day happen. Thanks also to the Men & Women of Durrow who took straight back to the game, despite the 165 year absence, with many parents and onlookers seen ‘having a bat’ by the end of the day. The final thank you must go to the children and teachers of Our Lady’s Meadow National School, Durrow & Abbeyleix South National School who, without doubt, were the real stars of the day. The enthusiasm, interest, enjoyment and natural talent that was shown, whilst learning the new sport, was truly a joy to behold. Long may it last and let us hope that the next century worth talking about from Durrow, Co. Laois will be on the playing fields and not in the history books.
Andrew Leonard
South Dublin Development Officer