Sport in Ireland - Cricket
Cricket is very much a minority sport in Ireland, but one with a loyal and enthusiastic following and which is having increasing success in international competition.
The game came to Ireland in the early 1880s, brought by English soldiers to the towns where they were stationed, at first Kilkenny and Ballinasloe. The first national team was fielded in 1855 and the game enjoyed a lot of success and popularity from then until the formation of the GAA, the body governing Ireland's native sports, in 1884. That organisation banned their members from participating in any other sports - referred to a 'foreign games', which had a detrimental effect not just on the development of Cricket but also Rugby, Soccer and other sports.
Cricket is a game that often mystifies the uninitiated - if you are unfamiliar with the sport consult this very good overview of Cricket.
Irish Cricket Successes
Ireland vs Surrey, 2004The Irish Cricket Union, the body which today governs cricket in both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, was founded in 1923 and they have nurtured the sport carefully to the point it is at today, with thriving national leagues for both men and women at all levels.
International successes by Irish Cricket have been mounting in recent years, and in 1996 Ireland won the inaugural European Cup. In 2005 Ireland play host to the ICC Trophy and are expected to field their strongest ever side. With the qualifying games for the 2007 World Cup in the West Indies getting underway, and Ireland very hopeful of being there, there are exciting times ahead.
Where to See Cricket in Ireland
Summer is cricket season, so there are plenty of opportunities to see some action during the main summer season. You will find a list of clubs and fixture at the Irish Cricket Union website.
Every summer Sunday cricket matches are various levels are played at the grounds in Dublin's Phoenix Park and there can be no more pleasant way of spending a sunny afternoon in Ireland's capital than taking a picnic to the park and stretching out on the grass to enjoy the spectacle.
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