News of amazing number of new grounds!

With the season well under way a review of developments on a number of grounds seems appropriate. Firstly, a number of new grounds have come on stream or are about to commence playing for the first time.

Carlow CC
Carlow played their first game in St Patrick's College, in the centre of Carlow last weekend. Congrats to all those who made this happen and here's to a lasting partnership with the College. The ground has huge potential and a great location.

Gorey CC
Drainage issues delayed the laying of their new mat in Courtown. A plan has now been put in place and photos are circulating showing the laying of the artificial mat and drainage issues being addressed. Matt Dwyer laid the mat last week and matches should commence immediately.

Cabinteely CC
Permission has been given to develop a cricket ground in Shanganagh Park.
The park is next door to Woodbrook Golf Club, which housed a cricket club in a former life.
Cabinteely have had a frustrating time waiting while the season progresses around them, but a contractor has now been appointed and again a good  location with further potential should come on stream shortly. Good luck to Peter McNulty and Krishna on speedy progress.

The Hills CC
Margaretstown or Clintons Field hosted its first OCC match recently. Those present were very impressed and credit is due to the Clinton family and The Hills CC for bringing this facility to fruition.

North Kildare  CC

The club are putting in new training nets and along with a new bowling green are  putting in a drainage system to improve the square and outfield. Competing at the top level is not easy and trying to upgrade facilities at the same time requires lots of effort and resources put in the right areas. Certainly a club heading in the right direction.

Knockharley CC
Ralph Condie is head groundsman at the club. A well travelled umpire made a point of praising the ground and grass wicket performance to me recently, emphasising it compared well with the better so called "senior " clubs in Leinster. With the club teams also performing well on the pitch the club is certainly heading in the right direction.

Railway Union CC
Everyone knows the problems Railway have experienced in recent years. However, the god fairy has sprinkled magic dust over Park Avenue and major developments are well under way at the club. The final piece of the jigsaw will be the renovating of the square in the autumn. Fingers crossed the club will be in a much better place this time next year.

Longford CC
The club turned a corner pre season, sorting out off field facilities and investing in machinery to improve the outfield. Good on-field performances have given added momentum and the club is clearly motivated to progress further. As they go up through the leagues the challenges will become even greater but this year they have certainly upped their effort considerably.

Adamstown CC

Now a large club pushing to develop facilities both on and off the field in Corkagh Park.

Working with the park authorities the outfield has improved substantially through the addition of a dedicated  mower set for this specific purpose. This is a hugh step forward and the hope is that other parks can be persuaded to follow suit. Continued success to Olag and the club.

Finglas CC