SCOIL MHUIRE (BALLYMORE EUSTACE) WIN HALVERSTOWN CUP FOR 2026

Congratulations to Scoil Mhuire (Ballymore Eustace) who won a very competitive Final at Brannockstown to become the Halverstown Cup Champions for 2026.

Although we had a heavy shower before the scheduled start time, we did manage to get going at 10:30am. Phoebe, the Scoil Mhuire captain, won the toss and had no hesitation in putting Two Mile House into bat. The opening bowler Jerome was very economical with his two overs, only conceding 7 runs. Two Mile House were slow and steady but kept wickets intact and after 4 overs were 21-0. With a new pair coming to the crease, enter bowlers Charlie and Ciara who over the next 24 balls combined to take 3 wickets to put Two Mile House on the back foot. Cometh the moment, cometh Dan and Eoin from Two Mile House. Their 4 overs brought 50 runs and some devastating hitting. The ball was hit to all parts of Brannockstown with 4s and 6s galore. Two Mile House would finish on a very respectable 141-8, giving them a Net Score of 101 runs.

We had another heavy shower during the innings break. Scoil Mhuire coach and principal, Peter Roche, had his team in a huddle before they went out to bat, and I'm sure the words echoed were not to lose wickets early. Tori and James did all the right things and after 4 overs they were 25-0, 4 runs ahead of Two Mile House at the same stage of their innings. Jerome showed the same eagle eye with the bat as he did when he was bowling. He scored three 4s and a mighty 6 over extra cover. Eoin would turn out to be the best bowler for Two Mile House. He restricted Scoil Mhuire to just 9 runs from his two overs and took a really good wicket. Rua, who was wicket keeper for Two Mile House, deserves a special mention as his reflexes and handling were excellent, and he got a brilliant stumping late in the innings.

In the end, it was captain Phoebe who saw Scoil Mhuire home to a 33-run victory. The pitch invasion followed the final ball of the innings, and the party could begin for Scoil Mhuire who brought the Halverstown Cup back to Ballymore Eustace.

Des Drumm (Halverstown CC Chair) looked after the presentation alongside Cricket Leinster President Brian Kelleher. He thanked both teams for their incredible efforts and Cricket Leinster for all their support. There was a big show of appreciation to Stuart, Paolo, Jim and Cecil who go into the primary schools and do the coaching based on funding provided by the Kildare Sports Partnership which is very much appreciated.

The Halverstown Cup continues to go from strength-to-strength. This was the third edition of the tournament, and the number of schools taking part continues to grow. Towns such as Naas, Newbridge, Kildare Town, Athy and Clane are all represented. The idea of putting a cricket bat and ball into the hands of as many primary school children across the county is working, with many of these children going on to join cricket clubs like Halverstown and North Kildare, who both have thriving youth sections. If you have a child that is interested in joining a club or taking part in a Cricket Summer Camp, please reach out to the clubs.

Scoil Mhuire Ballymore Eustace 154-4 (Net Score 134)

Two Mile House NS 141-8 (Net Score 101)

Scoil Mhuire Ballymore Eustace win by 33 Runs