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Schools cricket came to Tipperary with the first ever mini-cricket tournament being held in the Thurles area
Despite being one of the smallest national schools involved in the Cricket Ireland National Schools Introduction to Cricket programme in the Munster area, Leugh NS not only hosted the recent inaugural Thurles-area schools mini-tournament but also provided the overall winners as their A team just pipped their B team to the top spot by one point.

4 teams, 2 each from both Leugh NS and near-neighbours Moycarkey NS, contested the tournament which was run by Cricket Ireland in conjunction with Thurles CC coaches Pat Cawley, Sean Cawley and Ronan Kennedy with club member Michelle Cawley lending a hand with the umpiring and scoring.

As Cricket Ireland’s Regional Development Officer for Munster, Jim Doran, explains the tournament benefited both participants and coaches alike, “The children involved get the chance to put into practice the various cricket skills and knowledge they have been learning about during the schools programme in a competitive but fun forum whilst the coaches gain experience in managing and coaching”.

He continued by pointing out that, “It’s also an opportunity for the Thurles club to begin the process of establishing the club’s identity with potential youth section members”.
Thurles CC’s Pat Cawley picked up on the fun factor aspect saying that, “The look of enjoyment on the kids’ faces as they either caught a ball or hit one with the bat, and the roars of excitement from teammates and spectators spurring them on really brought home how fun cricket can be”. “The sheer enthusiasm and excitement shown by all the participants on the day made it so worthwhile, and I look forward to seeing this approach continue and grow and not just with those schools involved in this mini-tournament but other schools also in the area”.

He also commented on the benefit to Thurles CC’s newly-qualified coaches, “From a new coach’s perspective it was really encouraging to see what can be achieved when the approach is based on simple yet effective standards and principles. Everything just seems to fall into place, especially the all-important fun factor.

Both myself, Sean and Ronan learnt a lot from our involvement in the event and from Regional Development Officer, Jim Doran, who worked tirelessly to ensure everything went to plan, a remarkable accomplishment considering the difficulties with rescheduling we had”.

Finally Pat said that, “I want to join with Jim Doran in thanking Principals Louise Corbet (Leugh NS) and Rob White (Moycarkey NS) and their respective staffs for their tremendous commitment and time to both the programme and the mini-tournament. Their input is greatly appreciated”.

Thurles CC Mini-tournament Final table

5 points for a win, 3 points for a draw and 1-5 points awarded in each of the categories of teamwork, good conduct and sportsmanship.


Cricket Ireland
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