HIGH PROFILE VISITOR TO LISMORE CRICKET CLUB
Ireland’s best known and most successful cricketer, Kevin O’Brien, visited Lismore Cricket Club last week, where he put locals through their paces.
The 38-year-old has operated at the highest level for club and country - a career highlight being his world record 50 ball century in the World Cup finals in Bangalore in 2011 to help Ireland beat England; as well as being the first Irish person to represent their country over 300 times.
According to Kevin, he was delighted to be in west Waterford to support Lismore Cricket Club.
“It’s not easy for a lot of cricket clubs, but here in Lismore, they’re very passionate about their sport and anything I can do to help, I will,” he said.
While still playing for Ireland and representing the Munster Reds in the inter provincial series, Kevin runs a cricket academy where he coaches in schools and clubs of all standards up and down the country.
One of those committed to growing the game in Lismore is hardworking chairman, Ben Huskinson. Ben said the club were delighted to have Kevin in attendance.
“Kevin is a fantastic ambassador for cricket and having access to this type of coaching is a huge boost for our members,” Ben told The Avondhu. COSMOPOLITAN CREW
While Lismore Cricket Club boasts some home grown talent, it’s open door policy means it attracts players from around the globe, most notably England, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa. Enthusiasts from India and Pakistan, who’ve found themselves resident in our fair isle, have also signed up. The club has even secured the services of two Ballyhooly men - Daniel Dixon and Paul Beecher! It all makes for a diverse and inclusive club. CASTLE LANDS VENUE
Lismore Cricket Club is situated adjacent to the local GAA and socccer clubs. While its facilities aren’t ‘lavish’, the playing area is very well maintained.
Club member Paddy Byrne informed The Avondhu of the club’s progress.
“Cricket was played in Lismore from the middle of the 1850s, but our oldest reference is an article in a paper from 1872. We have some events planned for the season including the visit of the English touring team, the White City All Stars, on the Friday of the August bank holiday weekend.
“We have over 30 players registered with the club and have a social team as well as our first team, who train every Wednesday, weather permitting.
“Our club currently play in Division 3 of the Munster leagues at the 40 over and 20/20 levels. Last weekend we took part in a 20/20 round robin where we beat Cork County and lost to local rivals Clonmel. This weekend we are away to Limerick on Saturday,” he said.
UPWARDS AND ONWARDS
In the face of stiff competition from other sports, Lismore C.C. is fighting the good fight when it comes to promoting and encouraging the playing of cricket - thanks to the determination and enthusiasm of members, they intend batting and bowling for many years to come. For further information on the club, visit www.lismorecricketclub.org