Play cricket — it will bowl you over, says union

THE IRISH Cricket Union are calling for people of all ages to get involved in the sport in light of Ireland’s Cricket World Cup success.

“There’s certainly a lot of interest already because of the World Cup,” Jim Doran, chairman of the Munster Cricket Union, said yesterday. “I’ve been taking a lot of calls from people for the last couple of days.

“Cricket was already quite strong in Dublin and the North, less so in Munster, but we’re hoping to change all that.

“However, I think the growth in interest began to mushroom with the Ashes series of 2005, in which the games were close and exciting. It’s noticeable that people are familiar with Australia and England players as a result of those games.”

Doran is at pains to point out that people shouldn’t feel shy of getting involved in cricket, even if they haven’t played the sport before.

“If people are interested in getting involved in cricket I’ll forward information to them no matter where they’re living,” he said.

“It’s worth bearing in mind that adults can take up cricket if they’re keen enough. If they’re coached well and they work hard they can become fine players.”

Doran also dismissed media claims during the week that cricket equipment was only available from one shop, in the North.

“There are a couple of shops in Dublin certainly, though in terms of cricket equipment we tend to buy a lot of stuff online.”

To get involved in cricket, contact [e-mail] or Doran on 086-8769667.