With funding support from Kildare LSP, Cricket Leinster and Halverstown CC has been working with local schools in the area to introduce cricket.
The initial areas of focus have been schools in the Kilcullen and Bronnocktown areas, linking in with Halverstown CC. This has included Scoil Bhríde (Kilcullen) and Bronnoxtown NS with an aggregate participation level of circa 180 pupils. All coaching was led by Anne O’Meara, CL Development Officer for Kildare & Meath who commented as follows:
“The Blitz in Halverstown Cricket Club was a great success – the schools had a great time and played lots of cricket. Now they know where the club is, they can join and have a great summer playing cricket. Thanks to all who helped out on the day.”
This has culminated in a Cricket Blitz which was held at the end of April, with just over 110 pupils participating in multiple matches against each other at the home of Halverstown CC. The Blitz Day was all about participation and enjoying a version of cricket that maximises participation and works on all the core cricket skills - throwing, catching and batting. All schools received locally engraved trophies from PJ Wallace’s (Clane) for participating.
All kit was provided by Cricket Leinster in partnership with Kildare LSP and we thank Kildare LSP for supporting this important Development Initiative. Syl Merrins (Co-Ordinator at Kildare LSP) commented as follows:
“Kildare Sports Partnership and Kildare County Council are delighted to support the work of Cricket Leinster and their Schools Programme in Kildare”.
The club now intends to deliver the ‘Smash It’ Programme throughout the summer as a means of further developing its youth focus.
Halverstown CC spokesperson Stuart Conroy said - “I was delighted with how the Blitz went. The sight of over 100 children all playing cricket on our outfield was one to behold. The project to introduce primary schools in Kildare to cricket is now well underway, and we are so happy to be a part of that.”