Six wonderful days of cricket blitz’s were held for pupils in both 4th & 5th classes during the month of May. The events were full of fun and enjoyment with children being offered competitive games and learning more about the game. And let’s not forget that we had great weather over the two weeks also! Overall, 23 schools attended the blitz’s with 40 teams and over 600 boys & girls gaining valuable playing experience. The teachers who accompanied the teams were most impressed with the ‘Kwik Cricket’ playing format and many have already expressed interest in setting up games themselves involving local schools. Always a good sign for the further development of the game.
The 4th class blitz’s is part of the Fingal 'Future Olympians' event and the winners of the regional tournament will compete in the finals day on Wednesday, June 6th in Sportslink, Santry. The following teams will be participating on the day: St Mologas NS (Balbriggan), St Oliver Plunkett’s NS (Malahide), St Patrick's NS (Diswellstown) and St Mochta's NS (Blanchardstown).
The Swords/Malahide blitz’s were held at Malahide Cricket Club with Swords Educate Together, Oliver Plunkett’s NS, St Andrew’s NS, Old Borough NS and Pope John Paul’s NS participating. The 4th class blitz was won by Oliver Plunkett’s NS and the 5th class blitz was also won by Oliver Plunkett’s NS.
The Rush blitz’s was held at Rush Cricket Club and involved teams from Rush NS, Loughshinny NS, Milverton NS, Balrothery NS, Balbriggan Educate Together, St George’s NS, St Mologas NS, St Catherines NS & St Patrick’s NS. The 4th class blitz (sponsored by the Dolan family and running now for 12 years) was won by St Mologas NS from Balbriggan and the 5th class blitz was won by Balrothery NS.
The Dublin 15 blitz’s were held at the Corduff Sports Centre with Mulhuddart NS, Tyrrellstown Educate Together, St Patrick’s NS (Corduff), St Patrick’s NS (Diswellstown), Castleknock NS, St Mochta’s NS, Castaheany Educate Together and Ladyswell NS participating. The 4th class blitz was won by St Patrick’s NS (Diswellstown) and the 5th class blitz was won by Tyrellstown Educate Together. All these West Dublin schools have recently been introduced to the game through the LCU ‘school coaching visit’ programme funded by Fingal County Council.
Overall the festival of cricket blitz’s was a great success, further promoting the game of cricket with lots of new children showing an interest in the game. The development of cricket in Fingal keeps growing which is a wonderful boost for sport in the region. Special thanks to the Fingal County Council & Leinster Cricket Union for their continued support. Also the cricket clubs for the use of their grounds and all the coaches (Albert van der Merwe, Matt Lunson, Carole McGuire, Tommy Doheny, Paul Lawson, Ntinga Mpoki, Josh McDonagh Kinkade, Ryan Gallagher & Lionel Jansen who contributed to the success of these events.