Town give helping hand to new club

Chairman Graeme Hunter and first eleven captain Peter Maxwell recently presented a kit bag filled with equipment to members of the newly formed Dundalk Cricket Club.

The link between the clubs was initiated by former Lurgan opening batsman Paddy Kavanagh who now lives in Dundalk and is helping the fledgling club get on its feet.

Paddy contacted Lurgan to explain that he was involved in efforts to set up a club in the Dundalk area and to see if Lurgan would be willing to bring down a team.

A development team led by professional Niranjan Godbole and development officer Jonny Gillespie took on Dundalk CC in a 35 over match. The team returned very impressed with what the Dundalk players had achieved in such a short space of time.

Peter Maxwell said: “ I travelled down with the team for the match and it was fantastic to see the enthusiasm of the Dundalk guys, many of whom had not played cricket before this year. I think we were all taken a back by how much the club has achieved in such a short space of time. They only formed in the winter and already they have nearly 30 playing members and have secured a lease on a ground.”

Paddy Kavanagh made the trip up to Pollock Park along with Dundalk CC chairman Gerry Murphy and club captain Jiwan Jodhani to look at Lurgan’s old covers and sightscreens. The committee at Lurgan have offered these to Dundalk who currently do not have any.

Graeme Hunter explained: “ When Paddy told us what they are trying to do in Dundalk we were keen to do all we could to assist them. At Lurgan we were fortunate enough to get a grant for new covers and sightscreens at the beginning of the year and we are delighted that our old ones will now be put to good use in Dundalk. We also hope that the bag of cricket equipment that we have put together will assist many of their players.”

Paddy Kavanagh was delighted with presentation and said: “On behalf of Dundalk Cricket Club, I want to express our gratitude to the Lurgan Cricket Club committee and members, who have made this very fine gesture. It will give everyone associated with Dundalk Cricket Club a huge lift at a time when we are approaching the end of our inaugural season. It will never be forgotten I can assure you.”