DCU has confirmed a new two-year partnership with Cricket Ireland which will see the development of elite practice facilities for the national team and Leinster Lightning players, ahead of next year’s Cricket World Cup.
As part of the two-year agreement Cricket Ireland will receive support for the training and development of its players, coaches and managers through access to the university’s specialist sporting facilities.
The agreement is a big step for Irish cricket as it means that more players will stay in the country, and specifically in DCU, rather than emigrtating to the UK, something that is par for the course for most elite Irish cricketers.
The programme will also extend to DCU’s sports scholarship programme which will now incorporate cricket.
A new cricket training area, with turf and artificial nets, will be constructed and mentor schemes will be put in place for senior and provincial cricket players undertaking studies in DCU.
Professor Briain MacCraith, President of DCU, said of the partnership, “Cricket is certainly putting Ireland on the map, both nationally and internationally and we look forward to colaborating with Cricket Ireland as it implements its ambitious development programme.”
Ruaidhri Croke
Image Credit: Sportsfile
Leave a Reply