Dundalk CC on the up with fresh optimism

ONE would be forgiven for thinking that cricket in Louth was headed towards extinction not so long ago. It was around 2019, a decade on from the club’s inception, that Dundalk Cricket Club started facing troubles: membership was declining and financial issues followed.

It was decided that a new direction was needed to secure cricket’s future in the county. The upkeep of the club’s Dromiskin grounds was proving too costly and Dundalk Grammar School stepped in, offering their Carrick Road grounds for lease.

After two consecutive years of finishing bottom of the league, the majority of the club’s veteran members decided to retire, leaving some old faces who wanted to push on, and some new faces who hoped to keep cricket alive in their town. It was a cold, rainy night in the upstairs community area in Tesco where these remaining members gathered to plan ahead for the 2020 season. A new committee was formed to steer the club forward.

A lot was on Dundalk’s plate; the team’s new-found home, Hiney Park, had to be prepared for cricket. Without any equipment, storage facilities or expertise, it was a daunting task. The club was lucky to acquire support from neighbouring Dundalk FC who agreed to share its facilities. Club members then met with Cricket Leinster officials at Hiney Park to help with groundwork and installation of an artificial cricket pitch and training nets.

Things were looking up and then all went downhill – globally. The club’s promising progress was stunted by COVID-19. With little funds, dwindling numbers and continuous lockdowns, Dundalk CC was forced to put all expenditure on hold, and a decision was made to withdraw from domestic competition. This left the club in a near two-year exile. Numerous instances of vandalism at Hiney Park hampered progress further.

Eventually restrictions started lifting and the club began to re-emerge. Friendly matches were organised and many surrounding Leinster teams generously agreed to host matches for the club. Local schools, colleges, gyms and sports establishments were approached to help drive player recruitment.

By 2022, the club had re-entered competitive leagues again. However, due to the two-year absence and the prior poor form of the senior team, Dundalk found itself in Division 14 having previously competed in Division 8.

The 2022 season proved to be a good one – a runner-up finish led to a promotion. Club membership grew rapidly into 2023, making it possible for the first time in nearly a decade for Dundalk to field two league teams.

The club started 2023 with their firsts in Division 13 and seconds in Division 19. With over 40 players registered, a handful of youths and girls also playing, the club was ready for a competitive season. It ended up being the most successful season in the club’s history, with three trophies won out of a possible four! Both senior teams convincingly topped their respective divisions, with the first team also bringing home a T20 cup, beating Ongar CC by 63 runs in the GS Cricket Junior Cup final.

It was also a record-breaking year as the strong performances led to most of the club’s official records being broken. The club hosted its first ever awards ceremony at Oriel Park, while also being honoured at Cricket Leinster’s 2023 Awards Night in Dublin’s Mansion House.

Given where things sat in 2019, cricket in Louth has well and truly risen from the ashes and now Dundalk CC aims to keep up the success this summer. The club started 2024 by showcasing its silverware to the town at the Dundalk St. Patrick’s Day Parade, with the new season kicking off later in April.

Thanks must go to club sponsors The Grafton Barbers, Phone X2, Vitality Sports, Marhaba Food Store, Sitar Indian Restaurant, Blueberry International and Therapeutic Touch. The club also would like to thank Dundalk FC, Dundalk Grammar School, DkIT Sport and Cricket Leinster for their continued support.

As always, the club continues to push for more members and we would love to field youth and women’s teams. 2024 registration is still open and everyone is welcome to join the club, regardless of experience or age. Get in touch with the club if you would like to get involved in cricket or learn more about it. Visit www.dundalkcricket.com or email contact@dundalkcricket.com.