On a balmy August evening last year, the Cork County Colts team, 4th year schools and below, were presented with their trophy and medals, having won the Leinster Colts league. It’s all about developing youth cricket. Given that cricket has been played in The Mardyke since the 1850’s, you might ask what more needs to be developed, and such are the travails of sport.
Dermot Giltinan, ‘The Galt’, championed cricket for decades, and his recent star-studded Memorial match testified to the esteem in which he was held. But like the Olympics, the torch needs to be carried by many. Brenda Kennedy, Veena O’Sullivan, John Simon and others have all championed the cause for several years, and on that evening last August, the current Senior Youth Coach, Steve Ross, looked at the trophy and the happy smiling faces and vowed to replicate that success.
True to his steely word, the U13s and U15s won the Munster Super League campaigns at their age grade.
On Sunday 4th, and Saturday 10th September the U13s and U15s, respectively, will travel to Dublin to play Pembroke and Phoenix in the All-Ireland semi-final of their competitions.
Over the past four years, Steve Ross with his trademark quiet, direct style has coached, mentored and developed a squad of novices into committed and dedicated players. His coaching style is unrelenting and determined. Tough training, high standards and total commitment are his watchwords – and you reap what you sow. As with all good teams, the leader is only as good as the team around them, and Mick Hull (U15 Coach), Bruce Newton and former Munster U15 Coach, Abdul Jabbar Younus, have been instrumental in developing the U15 squad of players. 1st team captain Ross Durity and 2nd team captain Rob Duggan have also been generous with their time to support coaches when needed.
Qualification came via wins against Limerick City, Limerick Blasters, Cork Harlequins and Galway CC in both leagues. All of which were tough games but an All-Ireland semi-final is another level again. Cricket in Dublin is so good that it has produced Eoin Morgan, Kevin and Niall O’Brien and Ed Joyce – world-class cricket players. Harry Terctor leads the charge for the next generation.
It’s a tough ask to travel to Dublin to play away fixtures against the strong Leinster champions, but to borrow a phrase from Declan Kidney, “pressure is a privilege”.
Regardless of results in Dublin, the Cork County U13s and U15s are Munster Champions in their respective Munster Super Leagues.
A possible Schools League, played in September, is further testament to the growth of cricket in Cork – and it’s no surprise that there’s lots of cricket on The Mardyke, after all, “its’ where we sported and played…!”
Fixtures:
Sunday 04 September, U13 All-Ireland Semi-final
Pembroke CC v Cork County CC
Saturday 10 September, U15 All-Ireland Semi-final
Phoenix CC v Cork County CC