Cricket in Ireland is expanding its reach and challenging geographic norms with the ratification of the Connacht Cricket Union to become the fifth affiliated provincial union.
After a two-year process of incorporation, governance and administrative establishment, the Connacht Cricket Union was unanimously welcomed as the latest Provincial Union affiliated with the National Governing Body, joining Cricket Leinster, Munster Cricket Union, North West Cricket Union and the Northern Cricket Union.
“This day is a true honour for all involved with the Connacht Cricket Union, said Chair Jeff Smith. It has taken us nearly 100 years, but we are delighted to be here now.”
“However, in recognising the honour, we believe that our work only starts now. I can confidently state that our commitment is strong and we aim to make a meaningful contribution to Irish cricket over the coming years. “
“Getting to this stage has involved the guidance and support of many, of whom I would like to thank – notably David Gryphon, Andrew Fleming, and Elaine Nolan. I would also like to thank the Cricket Ireland Chair Brian MacNeice and CEO Warren Deutrom for their ongoing support and encouragement and for displaying commendable patience as I frequently bent their respective ears. I’d also like to recognise outgoing President, Stella Downes, who made numerous trips to Connacht for our first representative match since 1891, our AGM and annual awards.”
“Finally, I would like to congratulate our own Board and staff. We are a strong and enthusiastic team and I wish to thank them for all of their enormous hard work and huge commitment.”
“On behalf of Cricket Ireland, and indeed the wider Irish cricket community, I am delighted to formally welcome Connacht as a fully affiliated member of the Cricket Ireland family.,” added Cricket Ireland Chair Brian MacNeice.
“This is an important step in our long-term vision to ensure cricket is a major sport across the island of Ireland. I congratulate Jeff and the team in Connacht who have worked tirelessly to grow the game, develop the structures, and build the platform to ensure the CCU was ready for this major step forward for the game in the West.”
“We have been greatly impressed with the Connacht team’s passion, and we are excited about the possibilities for developing participation numbers in the coming years. We look forward to supporting the growth of the game throughout the province.”
“Today marks another milestone for Irish Cricket. It is a day to celebrate. The hard work to develop the game and the supporting structures and facilities in the West will continue. We look forward to working with the team at the CCU so we can all meet our ambitious goals for the sport we love.”
In a separate development at the AGM over the weekend, Donna Armstrong formally succeeded Stella Downes as the President of Cricket Ireland.
Belfast-born Armstrong was capped 29 times for Ireland between 1983 and 1991, playing in Ireland Women’s inaugural international match against Netherlands.
She went on to become a cricket coach, national selector and Team Manager of Ireland Women post-playing.
Armstrong becomes the third woman to assume the Cricket Ireland Presidency, following Aideen Rice (2018-19) and Stella Downes (2024-25)
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SPORT FOR BUSINESS PERSPECTIVE
Bringing the full benefit of Cricket Ireland affiliation to Connacht is a strong positive in the development of the sport.
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Ireland play the West Indies in the first of six matches on May 21st in Malahide
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